Philadelphia Union Sign Jay Ajayi as eMLS Pro Gamer

CHESTER, Pa. (January 7, 2020) – Philadelphia Union today announced Super Bowl Champion and Pro Bowl Running Back Jay Ajayi as their eMLS esports pro gamer, one of the first pro athletes and first NFL player to become a professional gamer. Ajayi will represent the Philadelphia Union during the 2020 eMLS Cup campaign, beginning with eMLS League Series One in Philadelphia on January 10. The Union swept every eMLS league series title in 2019.

"Philadelphia will always hold a special place in my heart. 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,” said Ajayi. “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.”

"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” said Doug Vosik, Union Chief Marketing Officer. “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 the team become Super Bowl Champions at Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. He rejoined the Eagles for a portion of the 2019 season and is currently a free agent. Growing up in London, Ajayi is a lifelong soccer fan and an avid FIFA videogame player. He can be found playing FIFA across online streams and YouTube shows, including FIFA & Chill, and has previously played against former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Men in Blazers host Roger Bennett.

eMLS is the esports and gaming property of Major League Soccer. Built around the EA SPORTS™ FIFA franchise, its goal is to utilize gaming to reach global audiences, raise the profile of MLS, and grow its next generation of fans. In 2019, the 2018 eMLS Cup presented by PlayStation® won Ex Awards Gold Winner for ‘Best Esports Activation,’ Cynopsis Sports Media Awards Honorable Mention for ‘Best Esports Event’ and Best Live Stream.

eMLS League Series One presented by PlayStation will feature 25 of the best professional FIFA 20 gamers in the world. Each eMLS player, representing their MLS Club, is vying for a shot at the Series One trophy and $7,500 in cash. eMLS is an Official League Partner of the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series.