It's not often that an opponent gushes over a player on the other team days before their game.
But that's what happened Tuesday during an appearance by Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on The Pat McAfee Show.
Of course, it's not often that an opposing starting quarterback knows what we know. What Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell echoed recently for the umpteenth time: That running back Aaron Jones is as phenomenal a person as he is a player, and he's elevated the culture since he got to Minnesota.
Rodgers knows all about that.
"Jonesy's one of my all-time favorite teammates," Rodgers' said, his face lighting up. "There's nobody like Jonesy."
For six seasons (2017-22), Jones and Rodgers were backfield buddies in Green Bay. The running back caught 235 passes from the future Hall of Fame quarterback. They won three NFC North titles together.
"One of the best guys to be in the locker room with, best guys to have next to you in the shotgun – smart as can be, tough, physical, slasher, great hands," Rodgers shared. "Was just always a positive attitude."
Rodgers left the Packers for the Jets via a 2023 trade, and Jones was released by Green Bay this past offseason and shortly thereafter signed with Minnesota.
In four games for the Vikings, Jones has been one of the finest running backs in the NFL. The 29-year-old ranks eighth in rushing yards (321), and sixth in yards per carry (5.0) among players with 50-plus rushes.
Jones also has 16 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. He's averaging 116 scrimmage yards per game.
"There might have been some thought he didn't have a whole lot left in the tank. And I think that we've seen through four weeks that's incorrect," Rodgers smirked.
"Revenge games, too!" McAfee quipped.
Jones got everything he wanted Week 4 at Green Bay: A win over his former team; a chance to revisit great relationships; a post-game Lambeau Leap into a Purple crowd; a busy day with 139 total yards.
"Of all people in the league, there's certain guys you really pull for – some guys you don't even play with but you just respect their game, you're like 'No, I like that guy, I want him to do well every week,'" Rodgers said. "I played with Aaron Jones and I pull for Aaron Jones every single time he laces up."
We're happy Jones and Rodgers will get to connect Sunday across the pond. And we'll be twice as happy if Jones is able to keep his pace and help the Vikings defeat the Jets to maintain their undefeated start.
"I could go on and on because I love the guy so much. He is a special, special human being," said Rodgers, elaborating on the impact Jones makes. "And I saw a little bit that Kevin said after the game about guys that change culture, and he is one of those guys. And you would think, 'Oh, there's got to be a ton of guys in the locker room that are like this,' that's not true. There's a few of these glue guys. And when your glue guys are your best players, that's when you've got a chance to do something special."
In the clip, Rodgers also praises the job that Minnesota's NFC Offensive Player of the Month has done.
Warning: Rodgers utilized a curse word at the 1:10 mark to emphasize how much he adores Jones.
Quarter-season superlatives
Mike Jones of The Athletic examined some things learned after the first four weeks of the 2024 slate.
He leads off with the truest of observations, especially applicable to the 4-0 Vikings: Fit is everything.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's career resurrection is among the best stories of the young season. Cast off by the New York Jets and then Carolina Panthers, Darnold used a season as a backup in San Francisco to help reset his career, and then signed with the Vikings this offseason to serve as a bridge to eventual first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. But through four weeks, Darnold has been a star.
Literally. He's gaining recognition and respect; awards and confidence. He has three more touchdown passes than any other quarterback and is rearing to face his old team as an early MVP candidate.
Sure, Darnold – now 27 and in his seventh NFL season – has probably learned a lot more than he could have ever imagined as a 21-year-old rookie. But Vikings [Head] Coach Kevin O'Connell and [General Manager] Kwesi Adofo-Mensah get it, and have used a strong rushing attack, quality offensive line, supremely talented wide receiver in Justin Jefferson and dominant defense to ease pressure on Darnold while capitalizing on his strengths.
Jones also handed out some fun, inconsequential quarter-season superlatives. Unsurprisingly, based on his performance, Darnold was tabbed the biggest surprise entering Week 5.
As mentioned, Darnold looks like a man reborn after stepping in as the Vikings replacement for Kirk Cousins. Leading the league in touchdown passes and passer rating, and ranking second in yards per attempt (8.8 yards), Darnold has Minnesota looking like a playoff team.
Here's a few other notable entries: Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was picked as the brightest newcomer; Best coaching job was awarded to Green Bay's Matt LaFleur; Falcons QB (and former Viking) Kirk Cousins was named the earliest big-spending return for a couple comeback wins.
Check out the full article here.
