Vikings' Jones: It'll 'feel strange' being on Packers' visiting sideline
Running back Aaron Jones is ready to return to Lambeau Field on Sunday and face the Green Bay Packers for the first time since signing with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason.
"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," Jones wrote in The Players' Tribune. "Thanks for 'betting' on me, riding with me, hashtagging for me, and everything else."
Jones is third on the Packers' all-time rushing list with 5,940 yards and fourth all time with 45 rushing touchdowns. He also posted 2,076 receiving yards for another 18 scores over seven seasons in Green Bay.
The 2020 Pro Bowl tailback experienced a setback in his final season with the Packers, missing six games due to hamstring and knee injuries. Jones rushed for over 100 yards in each of his final five games, including a 118-yard, three-touchdown performance as the Packers upset the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC wild-card round.
Green Bay released Jones on March 11 after the veteran halfback turned down a reduced deal. Less than 24 hours later, he signed a one-year, $7-million contract with NFC North rival Minnesota.
Through three games with the Vikings, Jones has rushed for 228 yards while averaging 5.4 yards per carry and has scored two total touchdowns.
The Packers signed Josh Jacobs to provide more consistency at halfback after Jones missed time due to injury in five of his seven seasons in Green Bay. The former Las Vegas Raiders halfback has rushed for 278 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry through three games.
"He's a problem," Matt LaFleur said of Jones on Tuesday. "He is, and he looks really good. I've been able to watch him a little bit. Certainly, he's one of my favorite players that I've ever had the privilege to coach ... just in terms of how he goes about his business. I've still got a lot of love for him, just won't have a lot of love for him when we're playing against him."
Jones also expressed gratitude to the franchise for supporting him following the sudden death of his father in the spring of 2021.
"No 'G' on the helmet Sunday, always one in my heart," Jones wrote.