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NFL Super Bowl champ Ajayi goes pro in esports, will represent Philadelphia Union in eMLS Series 2020

Super Bowl LII champion and former NFL Pro Bowl running back Jay Ajayi has been announced as Philadelphia Union's eMLS esports pro gamer for the 2020 League Series One.

Ajayi becomes one of the first pro athletes and the first NFL player to become a professional gamer, and his tenure with last season's champions will begin on Jan. 10.

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"Philadelphia will always hold a special place in my heart," Londoner Ajayi said. "I am blessed to be able to represent the city through esports and to be one of the first pro athletes to become a professional gamer.

"Representing the Philadelphia Union for eMLS combines two of my greatest passions outside of football, soccer and gaming. I'm a competitor, so you're going to see me give my all for the Union at every eMLS event this year."

Union's chief marketing officer Doug Vosik added: "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.

"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."

Ajayi joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 and helped them win the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots at the end of the season. He is now a free agent and often participates in online streams or on YouTube playing FIFA.

The eMLS Series One features 25 of the best professional FIFA 20 gamers around the world, with each player representing an MLS club and competing for the Series One trophy, as well as $7,500 in cash.