Aaron Jones Begins Eighth NFL Season with Vikings

Aaron Jones has embarked on his eighth NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings, determined to extend his career as he approaches his 30th birthday. Despite injuries limiting him to 11 games last season with the Green Bay Packers, he showcased his skills by rushing for 584 yards in the final five games, including playoffs. After the Packers released him due to salary cap management and his refusal to accept a pay cut, the Vikings, who struggled in the rushing department last season, quickly signed him. Jones believes his experience has allowed him to better understand the game, stating, 'the game’s slowing down a little more and more for me.' Acknowledging the historical decline in performance for running backs at his age, he studies durable predecessors like Emmitt Smith and Frank Gore to maximize his longevity in the league. Jones aims to defy the odds associated with aging running backs and is committed to maintaining his performance level as he enters this new chapter of his career.