Aaron Jones speaks on Packers organization's support after 'embarrassing' marijuana-related charges in 2017
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones will face his former team, the Green Bay Packers, for the first time this Sunday. Jones, who was drafted by the Packers in 2017, recently reflected on his six seasons with the team in a message in "The Players' Tribune."
Jones reflected on an incident in 2017 when he was charged with marijuana possession and driving without a license. He expressed how grateful he was to the Green Bay Packers for continuing to believe in him after his mistake and allowing him the opportunity to continue his career:
"I’m also very grateful for the Packers organization, and the way they had faith in me as a person. One of the biggest mistakes I ever made was as a rookie: I got cited for driving with marijuana in my system, and suspended by the league for the start of my second year.
"I was so embarrassed after it happened. They say you 'represent the G at all times,' and I hadn’t held up my part of that. I felt like I’d let everyone down who gave me a chance as a fifth-round pick — and for a guy like me who wasn’t established yet, a lot of teams might’ve said 'let’s just cut him.'
"It definitely could have gone either way … but the Packers had my back. Their mentality was, 'This mistake isn’t you. It’s only you if you don’t learn from it.' They made sure I walked around our building with my head held high, even when I was feeling really low."
Jones also commended the Green Bay Packers for being kind to his family, especially during the loss of his father in 2021.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur addressed his feelings on facing Aaron Jones
The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0, an unlikely outcome for the team that lost their first-round draft pick — quarterback J.J. McCarthy — to injury during training camp. Sam Darnold is not on his redemption tour, proving that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
One of the offensive weapons is running back Jones, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur knows it. While speaking to reporters this week, LaFleur was asked how he feels facing his former running back. In a brief answer, LaFleur praised his former running back and knows he may be an issue on Sunday.
"He’s a problem. He looks really good." Matt LaFleur told reporters
In three games this season, Aaron Jones has 42 rushes for 228 yards and a touchdown, along with 12 catches for 97 yards and a receiving touchdown.