Dillon: Talented Trouble

Corey Dillon’s career….Dillon was not a glitzy first round selection. He was chosen in the second round. Immediately, he impacted the Cincinnati Bengals. Dillon’s rookie campaign included 1,129 yards and ten touchdowns. Subsequently, he registered three Pro Bowl appearances. He surpassed Walter Payton’s single game record. He demanded a statement contract. He received this contract. His infantile conduct intensified. He was traded. He abetted New England’s third Super Bowl. He became injured. Laurence Maroney supplanted him.

Dillon requested his release. On Friday, the Patriots granted his demand. During his New England existence, Dillon recorded 753 carries, 3,180 yards, and 39 touchdowns. Overall, he accumulated 2,618 carries, 11,281 yards, and 89 touchdowns. Following his cut, Coach Bill Belichick praised Dillon. "On behalf of the New England Patriots organization, we respect and appreciate Corey Dillon's significant contributions to our team," coach Bill Belichick said in a statement issued by the team. "Those contributions extend beyond his individual on-field achievements and his integral role in a championship season. They also include three years of veteran leadership and positive relationships throughout the team."

Initially, Dillon’s narcissism was subtle. He mandated additional carries. The Bengals acquiescence incited Dillon’s conceit. Dillon exploded. He questioned teammates and excoriated coaches. Following 2000, the Bengals and Dillon appeared irreconcilable. However, a trade never materialized. Dillon resigned. Two seasons subsequent, Dillon detonated. He insulted fans, teammates, and first year coach Marvin Lewis. Dillon was dealt.

Dillon’s New England tenure commenced with 345 carries, 1,635 yards, and 12 touchdowns. In Super Bowl XXXIX, Dillon scored 75 yards and the defining touchdown. Revisionism initiated. Dillon was respectful and forthright. He was not egomaniacal. He was not crisis inducing. The reason Dillon was labeled a miscreant? He acted as one.

Dillon has aged. Self-inflicted furrows line his face. Dillon has precipitated controversy and performed spectacularly. His legacy? Generational marvel or puerile malefactor?