Jones is one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL yet is still considered by some to be vastly underrated. With Rodgers dominating most of the headlines (for better or for worse) in recent years, the other “Aaron” often gets overlooked by some fans and members of the media when analyzing the top backs in the game.
Jones has been a fifth-round steal by the Packers since he was drafted out of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2017.
After playing 24 games (12 starts) over his first two seasons and scoring 12 combined rushing touchdowns, the 28-year-old had a full breakout campaign in 2019, leading the NFL with a career-best 16 rushing touchdowns and setting career highs in rushing attempts (236), receiving yards (474) and yards from scrimmage (1,558) as well. He added 33 carries for 118 yards and three rushing touchdowns, plus six receptions for 31 yards and an additional score through the air, in Green Bay’s two playoff games that season.
Despite missing two regular -eason games in 2020, Jones earned his lone Pro Bowl nod that year, finishing with 1,104 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He had a slight down 2021 season with 171 carries for 799 rushing yard and four scores but continued his solid play as a pass-catching back with a career-high six receiving touchdowns.
Jones split carries with 2020 second-round pick AJ Dillon in 2022 but still led the team in carries (213) and rushing yards (career-high 1,121), finished second in targets (72) and receptions (59), and tied for second in total touchdowns (seven).
With a four-time MVP who’s never afraid to speak his mind occupying the space in front of Jones on the field, much of the limelight is often off of the Savannah, Ga. native. Having just finished inside the NFL’s top 10 in rushing yards, yards from scrimmage and yards per carry last season, Packers fans will surely be glad to have Jones back in the fold in 2023.
