In a surprising turn of events, Aaron Jones has traded in his Green Bay Packers green and gold for the purple of the Minnesota Vikings. This move comes after a period of notable leadership and on-field triumphs for Jones in Green Bay, particularly following Aaron Rogers' departure from the Packers.
When Rogers left, it left a substantial leadership gap within the Packers organization. Aaron Jones rose to the occasion, stepping up as a key leader on and off the field. As Jordan Love put it, "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."
Such leadership was instrumental for Jones during his time with the Packers. Not only did he fill the void left by Rogers, but he also delivered record-breaking performances, like his stunning outing against the Dallas Cowboys in January. Jones rushed for 118 yards and scored three touchdowns on 21 carries, leading the Packers to a 48-32 playoff victory against the Cowboys, a performance etched in the memories of Packers fans.
Jones' impact on the Packers was undeniable. He stands as the No. 3 rusher in the team's storied history, amassing 5,940 rushing yards. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Jones was joined by Jamaal Williams (fourth-round pick) and Devante Mays (seventh-round pick) in what proved to be a crucial draft for the Packers' backfield depth.
However, Jones' journey was not without its challenges. In 2018, he faced a two-game suspension for driving with marijuana in his body. Reflecting on this difficult time, Jones shared, "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." Despite this setback, the support from the Packers' organization was unwavering. "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 added.
Adding to the emotional highs and lows, Jones also faced the tragic passing of his father due to COVID-19 complications. The Packers, with head coach Matt LaFleur, general manager Brian Gutekunst, and running backs coach Ben Sirmans, rallied around him, attending his father's funeral, further solidifying the bond between the player and the organization. Jones expressed his deep gratitude, saying, "To say they didn't have to do that is an understatement, and I know I could never repay them on a football field."
Despite his significant contributions, Jones was asked to take a pay cut for two consecutive seasons before parting ways with the Packers. Maintaining a positive outlook, Jones expressed his appreciation, "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."
Matt LaFleur also spoke highly of Jones, emphasizing the mutual respect and admiration that will persist beyond their professional relationship. "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," LaFleur commented.
While Aaron Jones' departure marks the end of an era in Green Bay, his legacy and contributions have left an indelible mark. His transition to the Minnesota Vikings opens a new chapter, but his impact as a leader and player for the Packers will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike. As Dontayvion Wicks aptly put it, "He's just our fire starter, and we keep the flame going."