50 Facts About Aaron Jones

Early Life and Family Background

Aaron Jones's journey to NFL stardom began with a unique upbringing and strong family support.

1. Early Life and Family: Born to Vurgess and Alvin Jones, Aaron grew up in a military family, which meant frequent relocations.
2. Birthplace: Although born in Savannah, Georgia, Aaron's childhood was marked by moves due to his father's military service.
3. Father's Influence: Alvin Jones Sr., a former high school running back, missed much of Aaron's early football career due to his Army commitments.

College Football Career

Aaron Jones's college years at UTEP were filled with record-breaking performances and personal growth.

4. College Football: Aaron played for the UTEP Miners from 2013 to 2016, showcasing his talent early on.
5. College Debut: In his freshman year, he made a significant impact with 127 yards and two touchdowns against New Mexico.
6. College Career Highlights: Aaron set multiple records at UTEP, including most career rushing yards (4,114) and most rushing yards in a season (1,773).
7. College Records: He also holds records for most 100+ yard games (17) and 200+ yard games (5).
8. College Awards: His final season saw him amass 1,773 rushing yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns.

Draft Day and Early NFL Career

Despite being a fifth-round pick, Aaron Jones quickly proved his worth in the NFL.

9. Draft Day: Aaron believed he was one of the best running backs available in the 2017 NFL draft.
10. Draft Selection: The Green Bay Packers selected him 182nd overall in the fifth round.
11. NFL Debut: Aaron's debut came on September 10, 2017, against the Seattle Seahawks.
12. First Game: His breakout game was in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, where he scored a touchdown.
13. Early Career Struggles: Limited playing time in his early seasons led to the #FreeAaronJones campaign.
14. #FreeAaronJones Campaign: Popularized by ESPN's Matthew Berry, this hashtag reflected fans' frustration over his limited use.
15. Efficiency in Limited Touches: Despite fewer than nine attempts per game, Aaron led the NFL with 5.5 yards per carry in his first two seasons.
16. Super Bowl-Era Efficiency: Aaron joined elite company by averaging at least 5.4 yards per rush with 10 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons.

Rising Star in the NFL

Aaron Jones's talent and hard work began to pay off, earning him recognition and accolades.

17. Rookie Season: In his rookie year, Aaron had 138 yards and two touchdowns on 20 touches against the Saints.
18. 2018 Season: He continued to impress, leading the league with 5.5 yards per carry.
19. Pro Bowl Selection: In 2020, Aaron was selected to the Pro Bowl for his outstanding performance.
20. Franchise Records: He ranks third in the Packers' all-time rushing yards list and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2019.
21. Career Yards Per Carry: Aaron has the highest career yards per carry (YPC) of any Green Bay running back with over 500 career attempts, averaging 5.2 YPC.

Contract Extension and Personal Growth

Aaron Jones's career took a significant turn with a lucrative contract extension and continued personal development.

22. Contract Extension: In 2021, Aaron signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Packers.
23. Personal Growth: This contract provided financial stability for Aaron and his family.
24. Fan Support: Packers fans have consistently supported Aaron, encouraging his involvement in the game.
25. Team Leadership: Despite not being a traditional feature back, Aaron has been a key player in the Packers' offense.
26. Role in the Offense: Aaron often served as a safety valve for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, especially when starting wide receivers were out.

Overcoming Challenges

Aaron Jones faced and overcame several challenges, both on and off the field.

27. Injury History: Aaron has dealt with injuries, including an MCL sprain in 2020.
28. Return from Injury: After recovering, he continued to play a crucial role in the Packers' offense.
29. Community Involvement: Off the field, Aaron supports local charities and participates in youth football camps.
30. Family Influence: His father's guidance has been significant in Aaron's life, teaching him valuable lessons.

High School and Draft Journey

Aaron Jones's path to the NFL was marked by perseverance and determination.

31. High School Offers: Aaron received only two college offers coming out of high school.
32. Draft Wait: He waited almost 200 picks to be drafted, showcasing his perseverance.
33. Mistake and Redemption: During his rookie season, Aaron was cited for driving with marijuana in his system, leading to a suspension.
34. Organizational Support: The Packers supported Aaron through his suspension, helping him learn from the mistake.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Aaron Jones has achieved numerous milestones and continues to be a valuable asset to his team.

35. Career Milestones: Aaron surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the third consecutive year in 2021.
36. Franchise-Defining Player: His commitment to the Packers has made him a franchise-defining player.
37. Fan Morale: Keeping Aaron on the team has been beneficial for fan morale.
38. Offensive Role: The Packers' decision to re-sign Aaron reflects their commitment to utilizing him effectively.
39. Offensive Strategy: The Packers have used RBBC (Running Back by Committee) rotations, but Aaron's usage has increased under head coach Matt LaFleur.
40. Feature Back Potential: Despite not meeting the conventional benchmark for carries, Aaron remains a valuable asset.
41. Snap Counts: In the 2020 season, Aaron had a snap count of 51.8%, compared to Jamaal Williams' 40.2%.
42. Comparative Analysis: Compared to other star running backs, Aaron's efficiency makes him highly valuable.
43. Contract Value: The $48 million contract extension reflects Aaron's value to the team.

Current Status and Legacy

Aaron Jones continues to make his mark in the NFL, now with the Minnesota Vikings.

44. Career Statistics: As of the 2021 season, Aaron had 171 carries for 799 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
45. Franchise Records Held: Aaron holds several franchise records, including leading the league in rushing touchdowns in 2019.
46. Pro Bowl Selection Criteria: His Pro Bowl selection in 2020 was based on his outstanding performance.
47. Community Recognition: Aaron's community work has earned him respect beyond the football field.
48. Personal Validation: The contract extension provided personal validation for Aaron.
49. Family Legacy: Despite his father's lack of a successful football career, Aaron has carried on the family legacy.
50. Current Status: As of the 2024 season, Aaron Jones plays for the Minnesota Vikings, continuing to contribute to the NFL with his unique blend of speed, efficiency, and determination.

Aaron Jones: A Testament to Hard Work and Resilience

Aaron Jones' journey from a fifth-round draft pick to a standout NFL running back is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in a military family, Jones faced numerous challenges but never wavered in his dedication. His college career at UTEP set the stage for his professional success, where he quickly became a key player for the Green Bay Packers. Despite early struggles and limited playing time, Jones' efficiency and versatility shone through, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and a lucrative contract extension. Off the field, his community involvement and family values further highlight his character. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Jones continues to prove that hard work, perseverance, and a supportive community can lead to remarkable achievements. His story is a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can overcome any obstacle.