The Minnesota Vikings knew exactly what it needed to do when Aaron Jones got released by the Green Bay Packers in March - and they wasted no time in signing the soon-to-be eighth-year Pro Bowler. It's not just because of the fact that he finished second all-time in rushing yards (5,940), rushing touchdowns (45), and yards from scrimmage (8,016), either. The guy was a tremendous teammate in Green Bay and the shining example of what anyone wants an NFL player to be off the field.
In other words: Jones' impact reaches far beyond what happens in-between the sidelines. Unsurprisingly, he's already making a huge impression on his new Vikings teammates. And, just like in Green Bay, it's not just what he's doing on the field - it's what he's doing in all-around fashion.
"I knew what kind of person he was just from my context [in] the football ops guy that was still there [at UTEP]," Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters after an OTA session. "When he went to school there, [I] had heard about just what a phenomenal human being he was. And then obviously, the playmaking ability on the field.
"He can pass protect, he can run routes out of the backfield and he can obviously run the football so [he's a] really big pickup for us." Jones made Phillips' words come to life during Tuesday's workouts. He caught a highlight reel-worthy, diving touchdown over second-year linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
that easily caught the attention of every watching the play. "I don't know if ya'l.