The Green Bay Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings Sunday in an important NFC North division matchup this Sunday. But there will be something more to this game. Former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones will be returning to Green Bay for the first time in a Vikings uniform after spending seven seasons in a Packers uniform. Here is a look at Jones’ legacy in Green Bay and the emotional letter he wrote to Packers fans ahead of his return to Lambeau Field.
Aaron Jones Set for Emotional Game As He Faces the Packers for the First Time: His Time In Green Bay
The Packers selected Jones in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He started third on the team’s depth chart and worked his way up to a starting spot by his second season. Initially, coaches lacked confidence in Jones’ ability to pass protect, but he worked hard and became a smart and capable blocker.
By 2019, the former UTEP star had his first of three seasons with 1,000-or-more yards rushing. He also led the league in rushing touchdowns with 16.
Jones also became a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. In 2021, he caught six touchdown passes. He became a complete back and the catalyst of the Packers offense. Last season, it was clear when he was on the field, the offense played at a higher level.
By the time he finished his seven seasons in Green Bay, Jones was the team’s third all-time leading rusher with 5,940 yards. Only Ahman Green and Jim Taylor were ahead of him.
But Jones wasn’t just popular for what he did on the field. He became an integral part of the community of the field as well. Jones got involved in charities and off-the-field programs and the fans appreciated him even more.
The Letter to the Fans
Unfortunately, after the 2023 season, Jones and the Packers couldn’t come to an agreement on a reduced salary cap hit to keep him in Green Bay. The running back already took a pay cut prior to the 2023 season and didn’t want to do it again. As a result, he signed a free agent deal with the Vikings. That meant he would face the Packers twice this season.
Earlier this week, Jones wrote a heartfelt letter to Packers fans in The Players’ Tribune. He talked about the importance of “being seen” and how his teammates, the Packers organization and even the fans saw him for who he truly was.
“Especially in those first few years when I was trying to make my name in the league, I think people started to notice that good things would happen when I had the ball, and they wanted me to be more involved,” Jones wrote. “So, they started tweeting with the hashtag #FREEAARONJONES. I know it’s just a hashtag, but I won’t lie, that was cool. Every time I saw it in my mentions, it reassured me I wasn’t going unnoticed. Our fans understood how hard I was working to make things happen, and I fed off of that.”
He also discussed how the organization supported him during the emotional time following his father’s death from Covid in 2021.
He closed by writing, “That’s the biggest thing I want to write here, not just to the Packers organization but really to all of Green Bay. Thank you. It’s going to feel strange being on that visiting sideline for the first time and being on the other side of this NFC North thing in general — but it’s ALL love, and it’s so much gratitude. 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.”
Aaron Jones Set for Emotional Game As He Faces the Packers for the First Time: Sunday’s Game
Now, Jones will face his former team for the first time. The fans at Lambeau Field will probably give him a warm welcome before the game starts. Then, for the rest of the game, Jones will be just another opposing player the Packers will have to try to stop. Once the game is over, Jones he’ll once again be a favorite of the Green Bay faithful.
No doubt, the new Vikings starting running back will have some extra motivation going up against his former team. Jones grew up a Cowboys fan and whenever he played in Dallas, he somehow raised his level of play even higher. Expect a similar effort Sunday in Green Bay.
Jones’ spot in Packers history is secure. He’ll be a sure fire, first ballot Packers Hall of Famer once he retires. He’ll always be welcome back at Lambeau with open arms and his appearances will bring back great memories. His relationship with his teammates, the Packers organization and the fans will remain special.
But this Sunday, he’ll be wearing purple and gold and stopping him will be one of the keys to victory for the Packers. That’s just the way life is in the NFL.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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