Green Bay Packers’ Third-Leading Rusher Released After Seven Seasons with the Franchise
The Green Bay Packers announced the release of running back Aaron Jones, as confirmed by General Manager Brian Gutekunst on Monday.
Expressing gratitude for Jones’s dedication over the past seven seasons, Gutekunst acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, highlighting Jones’s impact both on and off the field. He emphasized Jones’s significant role not just in the team but also in the community, wishing him and his family the best for the future.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur echoed these sentiments, describing Jones as an exceptional player and person. LaFleur credited Jones with helping establish the team’s winning culture and serving as a model for what it means to be a Packer. He expressed appreciation for Jones’s contributions and conveyed that he will be missed by the organization and the community.
Drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Texas-El Paso, Jones appeared in 97 regular-season games with 85 starts and started all seven postseason contests with the team. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the only player in NFL history to achieve over 5,000 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, an average of 5.0 yards per carry, 250 receptions, 2,000 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns within his first seven seasons in the league.
Jones’s tenure with the Packers saw him set numerous franchise records, including average yards per carry and rankings in rushing yards, 100-yard rushing games, 1,000-yard rushing seasons, rushing attempts, and rushing touchdowns. His standout performance in the 2020 season earned him a Pro Bowl selection after amassing 1,104 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 201 carries.
Throughout his time with the team, Jones played an integral role in the Packers’ success, contributing to three division titles and four playoff appearances, including two NFC title game appearances.
