Aaron LaRae Jones Sr. Bio
Aaron LaRae Jones Sr. is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. Born on December 2, 1994, in Savannah, Georgia, Jones has built a notable career since being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2017. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Jones was born to Alvin Jones Sr. and Vurgess Jones, both career non-commissioned officers in the US Army. Growing up with his twin brother Alvin Jr., older brother Xavier, and sister Chelsirae, Jones moved frequently due to his parents’ military postings, living in locations such as Germany, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and El Paso, Texas. He attended Burges High School in El Paso, where he played high school football and earned a three-star composite rating. Jones admired Emmitt Smith during his youth, which influenced his football aspirations.
Path to American Football
Jones played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) from 2013 to 2016. He quickly established himself as a prolific rusher, setting multiple school records including career rushing yards and touchdowns. Despite an ankle injury during his junior year, he returned strong for his senior season, finishing with 1,773 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. His collegiate success made him a standout prospect for the NFL draft.
Aaron Jones Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Jones was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, stepping up after injuries to other running backs. He finished his first season 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’ 2019 season marked a career breakthrough as he led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors multiple times and helped lead the Packers deep into the playoffs. In 2020, Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl after rushing for over 1,100 yards and scoring nine rushing touchdowns. He continued to be a key offensive weapon for Green Bay through the 2021 and 2022 seasons, although his rushing yards dipped due to shared carries. Jones set franchise playoff records and became known for his dynamic running style and receiving ability out of the backfield.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–Present)
In March 2024, Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He quickly contributed to the team’s 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 contract. Despite a hamstring injury early in the 2025 season, he returned to active play and remains a vital part of the Vikings’ backfield.
Driving Style and Strengths
Aaron Jones is known for his explosive speed, agility, and ability to break tackles. He excels in both rushing and receiving roles, making him a versatile threat. His vision and acceleration allow him to find gaps and create big plays, while his partnership with his offensive coordinators has maximized his impact on the field.
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 was the first Packers player to record five consecutive 100-yard rushing games in the postseason. His signature touchdown celebrations pay homage to his hometown of El Paso, Texas.
Aaron Jones Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Aaron Jones has been a consistent contributor to his teams’ successes. He has accumulated impressive rushing and receiving statistics, earning league-wide recognition and helping his teams reach the playoffs multiple times.
Green Bay Packers Highlights
Jones spent seven seasons with the Packers, where he became one of the franchise’s top rushers. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. His playoff performances include multiple multi-touchdown games and franchise records.
Minnesota Vikings Highlights
Since joining the Vikings in 2024, Jones has continued his productive play, rushing for over 1,100 yards in his first season and contributing significantly to the team’s offense. His role remains crucial as he re-signed with the Vikings for the 2025 season.
Aaron Jones Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Aaron Jones comes from a military family, with both parents serving as career non-commissioned officers in the US Army. He has a twin brother, Alvin Jr., an older brother, Xavier, and a sister, Chelsirae. His family background instilled discipline and resilience that have supported his athletic career.
Personal Life
Jones graduated from UTEP with a degree in multidisciplinary studies, fulfilling a promise to his parents. He had a close bond with his father, Alvin Sr., who passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19. Jones honors his hometown of El Paso through his touchdown celebrations. He has faced legal issues related to a traffic stop in 2017 but has maintained a professional career. His cousin, Tristen Newton, is a notable basketball player.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Aaron Jones re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year contract. After starting the season strong, he suffered a hamstring injury that placed him on injured reserve. Jones returned to active play in Week 8 and continues to be a key offensive player for the Vikings. His experience and versatility are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.