Aaron Jones is no longer a member of the Green Bay Packers, but he still feels connected to the people in Wisconsin.
But don’t take that the wrong way, Skol supporters, because the Minnesota Vikings running back also vibes with the people in Minnesota.
Jones shared his unique relationship with each side of the rival fan bases while running a football camp in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in the western part of the state.
The featured back for the Vikings in 2024, Jones ran for a career-high 1,138 yards last season while posting five touchdowns in his first season in purple and gold. But he came to Minnesota after spending his first seven years in Green Bay, amassing 5,940 yards and 45 touchdowns in 97 games.
What Did Aaron Jones Say About Packers Fans?
Even though Jones is now a member of the Vikings, he deems it important to not forget where he came from.
“I know a big part of big part of my supporters are Green Bay fans and then the other half is Minnesota Vikings fans,” Jones told WEAU recently. “So itâs very important for me to come back [and] give the game back to these kids [that] came out here.
“Iâve seen thereâs some talent here in this area. Some good sized athletes who could run who could play. So I feel like itâs my job to give the game back.â
The Packers and Vikings have been rivals since Minnesota entered the NFL in 1961. Many have played for both teams, and although there have been ugly moments between the organizations, Jones feels the support from both fan bases transcend the rivalry.
âIt just shows right there that itâs kind of bigger than football,” Jones said. “It doesnât matter where you play. If youâre doing great, doing good in the communities, the communities will get behind you no matter if youâve played for two teams.
“I still have the Packer community that supports me and I still have the Viking community that supports me, so thatâs huge and I feel like that just allows me to a broader scope of giving back to more kids.â
What Did Aaron Jones Say About J.J. McCarthy?
Between injuries and changing teams, Jones is projected to play with his fourth different starting quarterback in as many seasons in Minnesota’s second-year QB J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy is far-less experienced than Aaron Rodgers was in 2022 or Sam Darnold in 2024 — or even Jordan Love in 2023. But Jones has seen McCarthy grow even while he was working to get back from a catastrophic torn meniscus in the 2024 preseason.
âItâs been a lot of fun working with JJ,” Jones said. “Heâs very, very smart. Even though he didnât play this past year, he was still working.”
Although there have been doubters and naysayers across the football landscape, Jones is excited to see what he can do with Minnesota’s incredible offense this year.
“Itâs the things that people couldnât see that weâve seen inside that building that made us so confident in him,” Jones said. “Weâre excited to for him to lead us, and we’re there to make his job easier.â
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