Aaron Jones Finds New Home With the Vikings
The Green Bay Packers have seen a significant shift in their roster, with running back Aaron Jones making a notable move to the Minnesota Vikings. Jones, who had established himself as a key player for the Packers, will now look to fill the leadership void left by Aaron Rogers following Rogers’ departure.
Jones' tenure with the Packers was marked by several memorable performances, including a record-breaking game against the Dallas Cowboys in January. In that playoff win, Jones rushed for an impressive 118 yards and scored three touchdowns on 21 carries, contributing to the Packers' decisive 48-32 victory. These achievements have cemented his place in the team’s history, making him the No. 3 rusher in Packers' history with 5,940 rushing yards.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Jones was part of a notable cohort that included Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays. While Williams was a fourth-round pick and Mays was selected in the seventh round, it was Jones who would rise to prominence with the Packers, even amid personal and professional challenges.
In 2018, Jones faced a two-game suspension for driving with marijuana in his body, an incident that left him feeling "embarrassed" and struggling with feelings of failure. Reflecting on that time, Jones said, "They say you represent the G at all times, and I hadn't held up my part of that. I felt like I'd let everyone down who gave me a chance as a fifth-round pick. [...] The Packers had my back. Their mentality was, 'This mistake isn't you. It's only you if you don't learn from it.' They made sure I walked around our building with my head held high, even when I was feeling really low."
Jones also faced personal tragedy when his father passed away due to COVID-19 complications. The support from the Packers organization during this difficult period was profoundly meaningful for Jones. Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur, general manager Brian Gutekunst, and running backs coach Ben Sirmans attended the funeral of Jones' father, further solidifying the bond between player and team.
Despite these strong ties, financial realities led to Jones being asked to take a pay cut for the second consecutive season before his departure. Acknowledging the situation, Jones expressed his gratitude for the support and opportunities he received during his time with the Packers. "Thanks for 'betting' on me, riding with me, hashtagging for me, and everything else. Thanks for SEEING me. No G on the helmet Sunday, always one in my heart," Jones shared.
Jones' former teammates and coaches have spoken highly of his character and impact on the team. Jordan Love, the Packers’ quarterback, praised Jones by saying, "He's the total package right there. I love Aaron Jones. He brings a huge spark to the team just the way he carries himself, the way he handles his business and shows up ready to work every day. I can't say enough about him."
Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks echoed these sentiments, stating, "He's just our fire starter, and we keep the flame going." Meanwhile, head coach Matt LaFleur also underscored Jones' significance, "Certainly he is one of my favorite players that I've ever had to coach, a guy like that. Just in terms of how he goes about his business. Still got a lot of love for him. Just won't have a lot of love for him when we're playing against him."
As Jones embarks on this new chapter with the Vikings, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, athletic excellence, and strong leadership with the Packers. His journey from a fifth-round draft pick to a cornerstone of the Packers' offense is a testament to his hard work and determination. While the Vikings will benefit from his talents on the field, the Packers and their fans will always remember the indelible mark he left on the team.