The NFL offseason has been rife with significant player movements, none more notable than Aaron Jones transitioning from the Green Bay Packers to the Minnesota Vikings. This seismic shift comes on the heels of Aaron Rogers' departure from the Packers, creating a leadership void that Jones admirably filled before his own exit.
Rising as a Leader
Aaron Jones had big shoes to fill after Aaron Rogers left the Packers, and he rose to the occasion as described by his teammate Jordan Love, "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."
Jones' record-breaking performance against the Dallas Cowboys last January further established his prowess on the field. In that memorable playoff game, Jones rushed for an impressive 118 yards, scoring three touchdowns on 21 carries, leading the Packers to a decisive 48-32 victory.
A Storied History with the Packers
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Aaron Jones quickly made his mark in Green Bay. Players like Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays joined him in that draft class, though none matched Jones' contributions. By the time he left the Packers, Jones had cemented his place as the No. 3 rusher in the team's history with 5,940 rushing yards.
Jones' tenure in Green Bay was not without its challenges. In 2018, he faced a two-game suspension for driving with marijuana in his body. Reflecting on that difficult period, Jones said, "I was so embarrassed after it happened. 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."
A poignant moment in Jones' career came with the loss of his father due to COVID-19 complications. The Packers organization demonstrated their support by attending his father's funeral, which included contributions from head coach Matt LaFleur, general manager Brian Gutekunst, and running backs coach Ben Sirmans. Jones poignantly noted, "To say they didn't have to do that is an understatement, and I know I could never repay them on a football field."
Jones was also asked to take a pay cut for the second consecutive season prior to his departure from Green Bay, a move that underscored the financial realities of the sport. Despite this, Jones expressed his gratitude for his time with the Packers, stating, "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."
A Bright Future Ahead
Moving forward, the Minnesota Vikings can count on Aaron Jones to bring his trademark energy and leadership to their roster. His former teammates and coaches hold him in high regard. Dontayvion Wicks aptly described Jones as the team's "fire starter," while coach Matt LaFleur, despite the competitive edge that now exists between them, echoed similar sentiments: "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 Aaron Jones embarks on this new chapter with the Vikings, his legacy with the Packers remains a testament to his dedication, resilience, and remarkable talent on the football field. His journey in Minnesota will undoubtedly be one to watch, as he continues to inspire both his teammates and fans alike with his passion and performance.