Philadelphia Union Sign NFL Running Back Jay Ajayi as Newest eMLS FIFA 20 Player
From showing his skills on the NFL’s football field to the virtual football field, running back Jay Ajayi is taking his talents to the eMLS. Just recently, the Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler inked a deal with the esports league’s Philadelphia Union. Here are more details on Ajayi joining the eMLS team for this latest season.
Jay Ajayi joins Philadelphia Union as avid FIFA player
Ajayi made his main living playing American football professionally since 2015. He ultimately achieved a Super Bowl championship as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles just a few years ago. Over the course of five years in the NFL, he racked up 2,546 yards and 13 touchdowns on 572 carries. Ajayi played just three games in 2019 with the Eagles, though. Now it seems the 2016 Pro Bowler is ready for a run at a new career playing the international football game.
According to MLS Soccer, Ajayi’s passion for soccer as a fan goes back to his early childhood in London. They describe him as an avid FIFA player who plays the game on different online streaming platforms. That includes Copa 90’s FIFA & Chill series. He’ll now take his FIFA 20 gaming talents to the bigger stages of eMLS with the Philadelphia Union.
“Philadelphia holds a special place in my heart so I am blessed to be able to represent the city in the esports realm and to become one of the first pro athletes to become a professional gamer. It combines two of my passions, soccer and gaming,” Ajayi said in a statement about the signing. “I’m a competitor, so you’re going to see me give my all for the Union at every eMLS event this year.”
Philadelphia Union excited to have Ajayi representing them
The eMLS squad is ready for Ajayi to start showing what he’s got to the gaming world. Philadelphia Union Chief Marketing Officer Doug Vosik said, “Jay has the fight, grit and winning mentality that Philadelphia is known for, and it quickly became clear to us that his love of the city, soccer, and gaming made him a great fit for our esports team.”
Vosik added, “The Philadelphia Union is a leader and innovator in eMLS and has a decorated past, having brought home the League Series 1, League Series 2, and eMLS Cup trophies last year. Signing Jay is another groundbreaking move in eMLS and we are excited to see what he can do.”
This will be the third season for eMLS with 25 professional FIFA 20 players competing. Ajayi will begin representing the Philadelphia Union at the upcoming eMLS League Series One. The event takes place in Philadelphia this coming Friday, January 10. He’s now looking to help the team continue last year’s success as they achieved all three titles during their campaign thanks to their previous esports star doolsta.
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