Aaron Jones: From UTEP Miner to NFL Star

Aaron LaRae Jones Sr., born on December 2, 1994, is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL began with a successful college career at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he established himself as one of the program's all-time greats.

Early Life and High School Career

Born in Savannah, Georgia, to Vurgess and Alvin Jones Sr., both of whom were career non-commissioned officers in the US Army, Aaron Jones' upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Before his college success he was appointed to The Old Coach 2013 Class 4A All-State Team.

College Career at UTEP

Aaron Jones attended UTEP and played football there, leaving an indelible mark on the program. His college career is decorated with a lot of achievements and records.

Freshman Season (2013)

As a freshman, Jones quickly made his presence felt, playing in nine games and earning Conference USA All-Freshman team honors. He led the Miners with a freshman-record 811 rushing yards on 155 attempts, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and scored four touchdowns. His performance helped the UTEP's offensive unit rack up 2,216 rushing yards. He had three 100+ yard games. Jones opened his collegiate career with 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns against New Mexico. He also had 186 rushing yards at Rice.

Sophomore Season (2014)

Jones continued his impressive performance as a sophomore, earning Second Team All-Conference USA honors. He started in 12 games, missing one due to injury, and led the team with 1,321 rushing yards, the fourth-best single-season total in program history. He also led in rushing scores (11), points (84), yards per game (110.1), attempts (242), total touchdowns (14), and all-purpose yards per game (134.5). Jones produced six 100-yard games and six multiple-touchdown games. He opened the season with career-bests in rushing yards (237) and rushing touchdowns (three) against New Mexico.

Read also: The Journey of Aaron Konnick

Junior Season (2016)

After missing most of the 2015 season due to injury, Jones returned in 2016 with a record-breaking performance. He started all 12 games and earned All-Conference USA first team honors, amassing a single-season program record of 1,773 rushing yards on 229 carries, with 17 rushing touchdowns. Jones also caught 28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns, and even threw a three-yard touchdown pass. He led Conference USA in rushing yards and yards per game (147.8), ranking nationally fourth in rushing yards and third in yards per game. Jones had seven 100-plus rushing yards games, including three 200-plus yard games and a 300-plus yard contest. He capped the season with a career-high 301 rushing yards and four touchdowns against North Texas. He opened the season with 249 rushing yards and three touchdowns versus New Mexico State.

College Statistics and Records

Aaron Jones concluded his UTEP career as the program's all-time leading rusher with 4,114 yards. He broke John Harvey's 28-year-old record and set a program single-season best with 1,773 yards. Jones also set a program record by rushing for 100-plus yards in 17 career games and holds the program's longest rushing play with a 91-yard score. His 33 rushing touchdowns rank second in program history. Jones is one of only three Miners to produce multiple 1,000-yard seasons.

College Bests:

200m: 21.94
300m: 34.62
400m: 48.27
600m: 1:23.32

NFL Career

Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Jones has become a prominent figure in the league.

2017 Season

Jones's NFL career began with promise, but injuries to Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams gave him an opportunity to shine. During a game against the Chicago Bears in Week 4, he had 13 carries for 49 yards and his first career rushing touchdown. In Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, Jones rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown.

2018 Season

In 2018, Jones faced a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's Substance Abuse policy. Upon his return, he gradually took over starting duties. He had 11 rushes for 65 yards and a touchdown in a 22-0 win over the Buffalo Bills.

2019 Season

The 2019 season was a breakout year for Jones. In Week 2 against the Vikings, he rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown. During Week 5 against the Cowboys, Jones had 107 rushing yards, 75 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. In Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had 67 rushing yards, 159 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns, again earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He rushed 13 times for 93 yards and three touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. Jones rushed 16 times for 134 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 14. Jones finished the season with 154 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. He rushed 25 times for 100 yards and caught two passes for 43 yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.

2020 Season

Jones continued to be a key player for the Packers in 2020.

2021 Season

In March 2021, Jones signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers. In Week 2 against the Lions, he rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown, and added six receptions for 48 yards and three receiving touchdowns. In Week 10 against the Seahawks, Jones suffered an MCL sprain.

2022 Season

In Week 2 against the Bears, Jones had 132 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 38 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. He had 110 rushing yards against the New England Patriots in Week 4. In Week 7, against the Washington Commanders, he had two receiving touchdowns. In the following game, against the Bills, he had 143 rushing yards. In Week 10, against the Cowboys, he had 138 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. In Week 17, in a win over the Vikings, he had 111 rushing yards. Jones rushed for a personal best 1,121 yards on 213 carries.

2023 Season

Jones missed six games but still finished with 656 rushing yards, 233 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings

Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Personal Life

Aaron Jones had a close bond with his father, Alvin Sr., who passed away on April 6, 2021, due to COVID-19. To honor his father, Jones wears a chain containing his father's ashes.

Controversies

Jones was cited for a traffic stop in 2017 for speeding and possession of marijuana.

Family

Jones' cousin, Tristen Newton, was the starting point guard for the UConn Huskies men's basketball team during their 2023 and 2024 national championship runs, and was named the 2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Aaron and his brother Alvin Jr.

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