Aaron LaRae Jones Sr. Bio
Aaron LaRae Jones Sr., born December 2, 1994, is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Jones has earned accolades including a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Jones was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Alvin Jones Sr. and Vurgess Jones, both career non-commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. He grew up with his twin brother Alvin Jr., older brother Xavier, and sister Chelsirae, moving frequently due to his parents’ military assignments, living in locations such as Germany, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and El Paso, Texas. Jones attended Burges High School in El Paso, where he played high school football and earned a three-star composite rating from recruiting services.
Path to American Football
Jones played college football for the UTEP Miners from 2013 to 2016 under head coach Sean Kugler. He quickly established himself as a prolific rusher, setting multiple school records including career rushing yards and touchdowns. His strong collegiate performance led to his selection by the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Aaron Jones Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Jones made an immediate impact after injuries to other running backs. He scored his first NFL rushing touchdown in Week 4 of his rookie season and finished the year with 448 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. In 2018, after serving a two-game suspension, Jones took on a larger role, finishing the season with 728 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns despite a knee injury that ended his season early.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2019–2023)
Jones emerged as a leading NFL running back in 2019, rushing for 1,084 yards and leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors multiple times and helped the Packers reach the playoffs, where he continued to perform strongly. In 2020, Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns. He signed a four-year contract extension with the Packers in 2021 but saw a slight decline in rushing yards as the team diversified its backfield. Jones remained a key offensive contributor through the 2023 season, finishing with over 7,600 rushing yards and 52 rushing touchdowns in his Packers tenure.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–Present)
In March 2024, Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He quickly became a vital part of their offense, rushing for over 1,100 yards and scoring multiple touchdowns in his first season. Jones re-signed with the Vikings in 2025 on a two-year, $20 million contract, continuing to be a significant presence in their backfield.
Playing Style and Strengths
Aaron Jones is known for his agility, vision, and ability to find running lanes. He excels in both rushing and receiving, making him a versatile threat out of the backfield. His quickness and balance allow him to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020. He holds the Green Bay Packers franchise record for playoff rushing touchdowns and is third on the team’s all-time rushing yards list. His signature touchdown celebration pays homage to his hometown of El Paso.
Aaron Jones Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Jones has been a consistent contributor to his teams’ successes, particularly with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. His rushing and receiving abilities have made him a valuable offensive weapon.
Green Bay Packers Highlights
Jones recorded his first NFL rushing touchdown in 2017 and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2019. He earned multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020. His playoff performances include setting the franchise record for playoff rushing touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings Highlights
Since joining the Vikings in 2024, Jones has rushed for over 1,100 yards and contributed multiple touchdowns. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Vikings’ offense.
Aaron Jones Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jones comes from a military family, with both parents serving as career non-commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. He has a twin brother, Alvin Jr., an older brother, Xavier, and a sister, Chelsirae.
Personal Life
Jones is known for his distinctive pregame and postgame attire, including wraparound sunglasses and a Packers-colored sombrero honoring his El Paso roots. He graduated from UTEP with a degree in multidisciplinary studies in 2018. Jones experienced the loss of his father in 2021 and has maintained close family ties.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NFL season, Jones re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year contract. Despite a hamstring injury that sidelined him for part of the season, he returned to contribute significantly to the team’s offense. Jones continued to demonstrate his versatility as both a rusher and receiver, maintaining his status as a key player for the Vikings moving forward.
