Professional Career
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Dillon in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. During his first season, Dillon set the then-NFL rookie rushing record for yards in a single game (246) in a 41-14 win over the Tennessee Oilers. For six seasons, Dillon was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise horrible Bengals team. After a 2001 game Dillon said “we will never win with the Brown family in Cincinnati." From 1997 to 2002 he rushed for over 1000 yards each year, and made the Pro Bowl 3 times (1999–2001). On October 22, 2000, Dillon set an NFL record for most yards rushed in one game (278 yards) against the Denver Broncos, breaking Walter Payton’s single-game mark of 275 yards set on November 20, 1977. The record has since been broken by Jamal Lewis (295 yards) on September 14, 2003, and Adrian Peterson (296 yards) on November 4, 2007.
In 2003, Dillon only rushed for 541 yards due to injury, which, along with the emergence of Rudi Johnson, precipitated the trade of Corey Dillon to the New England Patriots for a second-round pick. The Oakland Raiders appeared to be the first team to express interest, but the Raiders were unwilling to sacrifice an early-round draft choice for the aging running back. Dillon left the Bengals as the team's all-time leading rusher with 8,016 yards, surpassing James Brooks's 6,447 yards.
In the 2004 season, Dillon proved himself to be a mature and dedicated team player, putting to rest the negative reputation he acquired before arriving in New England. He set career highs and franchise records with 1,635 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He was a major factor in the Patriots win over the Indianapolis Colts in New England's first playoff game, rushing for 144 yards and catching 5 passes for 17 yards. New England won its third Super Bowl, due in no small part to the running game built around Dillon. He was the top rusher of Super Bowl XXXIX with 75 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also catching 3 passes for 31 yards, for 106 total yards. Overall, Dillon rushed for a total of 292 yards, caught 9 passes for 53 yards, and scored 2 touchdowns in New England's 3 postseason games.
In 2005, injury problems plagued Dillon and he was not able to duplicate his stats from 2004. He remained a major contributor to the team, rushing for 733 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. The Patriots used Dillon more frequently as a pass receiver, with 23 receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown, which was more receiving yards than he had gained in his past 2 seasons combined.
In the 2006 season, Dillon began sharing the team's rushing duties with rookie running back Laurence Maroney. He finished the year with 812 rushing yards and a career high 13 touchdowns; the latter tied him for third in the league that season.
On March 2, 2007 the Patriots released Dillon. In mid-August of the 2007 NFL preseason there were rumors that Dillon might rejoin the Cincinnati Bengals, due to the loss of backup RB Kenny Irons to season-ending knee surgery. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis struck down the rumor.
On August 5, 2007, Dillon told the Boston Globe that he will retire from the NFL.
On October 1, 2007, the press reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed interest in Dillon returning to the NFL; Dillon stated he was not interested.
On November 2, 2007 Dillon admitted to considering a comeback with the Patriots with the season-ending injury to RB Sammy Morris.
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