What Happened to Jay Ajayi?

By Jason Bolton December 11, 2023 06:03

Jay Ajayi, once considered one of the most promising running backs in the National Football League (NFL), has seen a decline in his career in recent years. From his breakout season in 2016 to his struggles with injuries and inconsistency, many have wondered what happened to Jay Ajayi. In this article, we will explore the factors that may have contributed to Ajayi's decline, including injuries, changes in coaching staff, and the evolving role of the running back position in the NFL.

The Rise of Jay Ajayi

To understand what happened to Jay Ajayi, we must first revisit his rise to prominence in the NFL. Ajayi began his professional career in 2015 after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round. As a rookie, he showed flashes of potential, but it was in the 2016 season that he truly made a name for himself.

In 2016, Ajayi burst onto the scene with three consecutive 200-yard rushing games, becoming only the fourth player in NFL history to accomplish this feat. He finished the season with over 1,200 rushing yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Ajayi's combination of speed, power, and elusiveness made him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Injuries and Setbacks

Unfortunately for Ajayi, injuries began to plague him after his breakout season. In 2017, he suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss several games and hampered his performance when he did return. Despite the setback, Ajayi managed to contribute to the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl-winning season that year.

The following season, Ajayi's injury troubles continued. He tore his ACL in Week 5, abruptly ending his 2018 campaign. This injury not only required surgery but also cast doubts on his long-term durability and ability to bounce back. It was a significant setback for a player who had shown so much promise just a year earlier.

Changes in Coaching Staff

Another factor that may have contributed to Ajayi's decline is the changes in coaching staff throughout his career. After his breakout season in Miami, the Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin and brought in Adam Gase. While Gase initially seemed to be a good fit for Ajayi, the relationship between the two reportedly deteriorated over time.

In 2017, Ajayi was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he found success in their offensive system. However, the following season saw the departure of Eagles' offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who played a significant role in utilizing Ajayi's skill set. The changes in coaching staff and offensive schemes may have affected Ajayi's performance and limited his opportunities on the field.

Evolving Role of the Running Back

In recent years, the NFL has witnessed a shift in offensive strategies and the role of the running back position. More teams are relying on a committee approach, using multiple running backs to share the workload. This has diminished the number of featured backs in the league and increased competition for playing time.

Additionally, with the rise of pass-heavy offenses and the emphasis on short, quick passes, running backs are now expected to be effective in the passing game as well. This change in offensive philosophy may have worked against Ajayi, who was primarily known for his rushing ability and was not as involved in the passing game.

Several factors have contributed to Jay Ajayi's decline in the NFL. Injuries and setbacks have taken a toll on his performance and raised concerns about his long-term durability. Changes in coaching staff and offensive schemes have also impacted his opportunities and utilization on the field. Furthermore, the evolving role of the running back position in the NFL, with the shift towards committee approaches and increased emphasis on the passing game, may have hindered Ajayi's progress.

While it is undeniable that Ajayi's career has faced challenges in recent years, it is worth noting that he is still a talented player with the potential for a resurgence. If he can stay healthy and find the right fit within a team's offensive system, there is a chance for Jay Ajayi to reclaim his status as one of the league's premier running backs.