There’s a term for it around Green Bay: “carrying the G.”
There is no need to introduce the Green Bay Packers as they are a historic team, but over the years, some players have represented the team more than others. Some people have assimilated into Green Bay, Wisconsin’s small-town culture more than others. They have accepted that there is no one owner of the team—rather, the supporters are its investors. They have behaved as though they are aware that the Packers have a devoted following that goes well beyond Wisconsin’s boundaries and might be regarded as a global brand.
These players include LeRoy Butler, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and the late Reggie White and Bart Starr. Aaron Jones, a running back selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, was also undrafted until Monday.
Jones advanced through the ranks of Green Bay’s roster, serving as a backup during the Mike McCarthy era before rising to prominence under head coach Matt LaFleur. Since 2019, LaFleur has helped Jones realize his potential as a dual-threat running back. Jones has flourished in his scheme, amassing 1,848 air yards and 17 touchdowns as a receiver in addition to 4,764 yards of touchdown runs on the ground.
In light of this, the Packers’ purported decision to release Jones in favor of signing free agent Josh Jacobs, a former member of the Los Angeles Raiders, does make sense.
Jones, who will turn 30 at the end of the next season, is prone to injuries. In contrast, Jacobs, who recently turned 26, has unquestionably maintained better health than Jones has over his career. Also bear in mind that Jones weighs 208 pounds as opposed to Jacobs’ 223 pounds as a running back.
Even while everything makes sense on paper, Green Bay still feels as though this was a mistake, if not because of the intangibles. Even going back to Rodgers’ final few seasons with the Packers, Jones has been the team’s leader. Since 2017, he has been the one constant in Green Bay and a constructive influence in the locker room.
Jones has stayed in place despite the arrival and departure of players, coaches, and even starting quarterbacks. Up to this point, and entering a demanding 2024 season with a youthful team, Green Bay could come to regret it.