There are plenty of different types of commentary being said about Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones entering what could be his final season in the Twin Cities, but he is making sure one thing is for sure: he can still play.
A recent social media post featured "Washed" behind Jones' picture on a graphic. Jones caught wind of it and made sure he shared his 50 cents on the comment.
"When the lights come on it's showtime. Silence the doubters and haters! When I first got in the league, 'he's not good enough, he's too small.' Next they say 'He's injury prone - played in just as many games as your favorite backs.'
Numbers don't lie. Line them up with the world's best. The thing is no one ever expected me to be here but me! 10 in and I ain't stopping now."
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones is settling that he is anything but "washed"
Last season was a rough one for Jones, who averaged a career-low 4.2 yards per carry. He missed five games due to injury and finished with 548 yards and two touchdowns.
The Vikings originally released him from the team in the offseason, but he came back on a cheaper contract for one year. That's one year Jones has to prove that, going into his tenth season in the NFL at age 31, he can still play at a high level.
It's clear that a regression has set in for Jones as Father Time is starting to catch up to him, but the vision is still there.
His struggles in 2025 could be chalked up to the offensive line's issues with staying healthy and keeping the same lineup together. Minnesota finished 23rd in the NFL in rushing last year, as they averaged 108.3 yards per game.
Jones has shown over the last two years in Minnesota, though, that he can still play at a high level. Back in 2024 with the Vikings, he had a career-high 1,138 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry.
The good thing about Jones is that he doesn't have to carry the load himself, as he is expected to split time in the backfield with Jordan Mason. Jones and Mason have made a good combo, as Mason can lower his shoulder while Jones can use his speed on the outside.
There will be some doubt about Jones entering the 2026 season, as this is a "prove it" year for the veteran. One thing Vikings fans have learned about Jones, though, is that he is resilient and will give it his all for the team.
Add us as a preferred source on Google