Aaron Jones Returns to Green Bay with Vikings, Ready to Prove Packers Wrong

Former Packers star running back Aaron Jones describes his release from Green Bay as a "full-circle moment" as he prepares to face his former team with the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.

As the Minnesota Vikings gear up to face the Green Bay Packers this weekend, former Packers running back Aaron Jones finds himself in an unusual position. After spending seven seasons with Green Bay, Jones was released in March and quickly signed with the rival Vikings.

For Jones, who spent his entire NFL career with the Packers, the upcoming matchup is a "full-circle moment."

Aaron Jones Returns to Green Bay with Vikings, Ready to Prove Packers Wrong

"My last time I walked out of [Lambeau Field], I thought I was coming back," Jones said. "Now, I'm back in Green Bay to play against them. It's a little surreal."

Jones' release from Green Bay came as a surprise to many, as he had just agreed to a salary reduction a year prior. The Pro Bowl running back finished the 2023 season strong, making his release even more puzzling.

Aaron Jones Returns to Green Bay with Vikings, Ready to Prove Packers Wrong

However, Jones has turned the page and is embracing his new role with the Vikings. He's off to a good start in Minnesota, helping the team to an undefeated record.

Despite his success with the Vikings, Jones admits to having "a chip on my shoulder."

Aaron Jones Returns to Green Bay with Vikings, Ready to Prove Packers Wrong

"I feel like I've always been overlooked or underrated," Jones said. "The Packers cutting me only added to that chip."

Jones is eager to prove the Packers wrong for releasing him. He's determined to make a statement on Sunday and show Green Bay what they gave up.

"If you're not thinking about the end zone," Jones said, "you're thinking about the wrong thing. And I'm definitely leaping. I'm definitely going to leap up there."

Jones added that if he does score a touchdown, he will celebrate with a Lambeau Leap towards a Vikings fan.

"Hopefully," he said, "there's a Vikings fan in one of them so I can jump up to them. I think that would be a cool shot."

While Jones understands the business side of the NFL, he still has a lot of respect for the Packers organization.

"I made a lot of great relationships there," Jones said. "I have nothing but love for them. But I'm going to go out there and do my best to beat them."

The Vikings-Packers rivalry is one of the most heated in the NFL, and Jones' return to Green Bay will add another layer of intensity to the matchup. The former Packers star is ready to send a message to his former team, and the NFL world is eagerly awaiting the outcome.