This is Aaron Jones
"I want 33!"
The phrase is often heard across Green Bay, WI. by men, women and children looking to purchase a Packers jersey. Once upon a time, it wasn't said at all.
"I want 33!" Three words which changed the life of a 22-year-old.
The phrase is often heard across Green Bay, WI. by men, women and children looking to purchase a Packers jersey. Once upon a time, it wasn't said at all.
These days, Aaron Jones is a franchise face of the Green Bay Packers - nationally acclaimed for his humanity, honesty and footballing feats. Like most in Green Bay, things start and end with one man: Aaron Rodgers.
To go forward we must travel back to Week 4, 2017 vs. Chicago, Jones had yet to play an offensive snap during his rookie year. There were superficial worries as to when it would arrive until Rodgers allayed all internal fear. Jones came off the sideline for a four-yard carry and on his fourth touch found himself in the end zone. The rest, as they say, is history. Yet to Jones, it feels quite the opposite.
"I remember it all like it just happened," Jones told ESPN. "That's how much it had an impact on me, and still impacts me. I thank him for that. I think it helped change my career for the better and gave myself even more confidence than I had. He's a future Hall of Famer, so when you're hearing a guy like that call for you, and want you in the game... it does a lot for a young person's confidence. It puts you on top of the world if a future Hall of Famer thinks you belong on the field with him."
Rodgers and Jones will be side-by-side this Saturday night (ET) as they welcome San Francisco for an NFC divisional showdown. The 13-4 Pack are favoured to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2011 as the NFC playoffs run through Lambeau permitting they stay alive.
Despite phenomenal regular season success, Green Bay have repeatedly fallen at the final hurdle - losing to San Francisco and Tampa in the previous two campaigns. This time however the signs are that things are going to be different. Why? Because the this vintage of the Packers has changed.
The players have taken the lead, regularly taking the responsibilities customarily bestowed to coaches with particular instructions resonating from veteran players. It's not uncommon for a teammate to have been coached within the group.
"We're a band of brothers, we love being around each other and it's always fun when we're together," Jones said. "We also play for each other, they're everything. When you line up you've gotta give a look to your left, a look to your right, and know your brothers have got your back no matter what the situation is, because you guys are pretty much stepping into a war."
Togetherness is vital to team success but it's far from an admission into the Super Bowl. Ask those who brave the frozen terraces at Lambeau, and only a Lombardi will suffice.
Will a loss at any moment be considered a failure inside the Green Bay locker room?
"For myself, yes. I won't speak for everybody [though]," Jones said. "We've been right there for the past two years and we've put in all this work. I genuinely feel like the time is now. It's definitely going to hurt if it doesn't turn out our way, but I am a true believer in speaking things into existence and manifesting it and praying for it. So, I believe it'll go our way."
Even if the Packers were to finally breakthrough, Rodgers could ride off into the sunset, leaving pastures old for newer horizons. If he's to be anywhere this offseason, Jones hopes the #12 will be alongside him in El Paso.
"A-Rod is really a loving person; he cares about everybody," he said. "I always tell people before you make a judgment on him, sit down and have lunch with him or something, because he's really an amazing, awesome dude and I'm glad that I've gotten the chance to get to know him and learn from him."
Despite the riches of his four-year, $48 million deal, Jones returns to The Sun City each offseason. The bright lights of New York, nor the luxuriance of the Caribbean can rival the satisfaction he gets from "home." Jones stays at his family's El Paso abode. Forget renting a mansion, that's not for him.
"For me, my family is my everything," Jones said. "They're all I have. So, I love being with them, love spending time with them and making sure they're okay.
"The other part is El Paso is home and it's always going to be home for me. The people there, they support me through and through, they've been supporting me since seventh grade up 'till now. I love just going back home in the offseason with the people who got to see me grow up and grow into what I am.
"There hasn't been a lot of people to make it from El Paso, so for the other, younger athletes or it may be athletics -- whatever it is -- I want them to know they can make it as well, not just me. I want them to be better when they make it and I want to be a resource for them."
Jones has been making an impact in his community long before his name was in lights. Just ask his high school friend Victor Mendoza, a special needs student who had a crowning moment he'll never forget.
While at Burges High School in El Paso, Jones became friends with Mendoza through a school initiative uniting special and general education students. Their friendship flourished during P.E. class and from there Jones came up with a strategy Matt LaFleur would be proud of.
"Vic's not able to walk, he's in a wheelchair and things like that, and I'm like 'you know, if Vic won this, he'd be happy and it'd just put a huge smile on his face. It'd change his life forever; he can always look around and say ‘I was the prom king at my high school and you know who was there? Aaron Jones or his brother Alvin Jones and I beat [them] out!’ ”
"It's not easy going to school every day like that and we don't know what kind of battles he struggles with mentally with that side, so we just wanted to celebrate him and I was glad he actually won it. We had shirts made, different things, it was amazing that he won. I felt like I won when he won."
The spotlight doesn't drive Jones. His humbleness ensures he's in the driving seat, perpetually pursuing family togetherness and on-field excellence. It may surprise many to know the steering wheel Jones grips is a 2003 Ford Explorer, the very same vehicle he's owned since high school.
"I feel like I don't need a new car, I can get from point A to point B. It still runs and it's been loyal to me, so I'm going to be loyal to it. It helps me save money!" Jones said. The 27-year-old has grand visions of looking after his own, no different to many who achieve NFL stardom. It is his ultimate fulfillment.
"I've always had a dream of taking care of my parents, like having a little house for them in the back, my brother living with me -- him and his wife have one side of the house, I have the other side -- my sister may have another third with her family and just remaining under one roof and being one big, happy family," Jones said. "At the end of the day, that's all you have."
The plan for Jones' family homestead is yet to come to fruition with his sister, niece and son spending time in El Paso currently. Jones' mother has remained by his side excluding "four or five days this season" - particularly poignant given his father's passing on April 6, 2021.
Life has been difficult for Jones without his greatest influence. Alvin Sr. attended every college and professional game of Jones' career, offering advice and a hug before each game. Despite his on-field demeanour looking identical to previous, Jones has understandably suffered.
"I would be crying right before the game and try and pull myself together and go play," Jones explained. "I don't want to say that affected my game but I also knew my head just wasn't clear.
"This past month, I told my mom: 'Mom, I feel like I [am] -- not over it -- but I'm finally not going out there looking for him'."
As for what Jones learnt most from his father? "Whatever you do, you do it with your heart and you do it with love."
This Saturday evening, high above Lambeau, Jones Sr. will be in a green and gold #33. With some fortune the man beside will provide the Pack the inspiration. Jones would be more than deserving.
Aaron Rodgers may opt for in-season toe surgery
No.12 has a decision to make on the fractured toe which has caused much conjecture.
Green Bay’s star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was unbothered by a fractured toe during his phenomenal performance against Los Angeles last Sunday. Though, he may still go under the knife, with the injury causing some discomfort.
On Monday, NFL Media reported Rodgers had decided not to undergo surgery “at this time,” meaning the 37-year-old could in fact decide to surgically repair his toe, if current methods fail.
During his regular, weekly segment on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers elucidated his thinking on the matter.
“As compared this Monday to last Monday, I definitely felt better — same with this Tuesday to last Tuesday,” Rodgers told McAfee. “So I’ll just keep getting treatment. We’re hoping to avoid surgery, obviously, but the surgery would be such a minor one it wouldn’t be something that I’d have to miss time with. That’s a prerequisite for any surgery that I have at this point — I’m not going to miss any time. So we’ll re-assess early next week and make a decision. But it’s not something where [I’d miss time]. I could have surgery on a Monday or Tuesday and play on Sunday.”
Despite the quick recovery time, Rodgers admitted he would be unable to move the toe. As you can imagine, the decision thereby isn’t so simple.
“It would avoid any further displacement, but it would immobilize the toe,” Rodgers said. “So, we’re hoping that with a couple weeks here, we can get enough healing that maybe we can avoid doing that.
“Now, we’ll re-assess probably later this week and early next week. But the ultimate goal [is] to not have to do surgery. This thing heals up a little bit better and kind of make it through a few more weeks and maybe it doesn’t bother you the last few weeks of the season.”
Green Bay and Rodgers should be well rested after their bye week. With old foes Chicago on the horizon, Packers fans will be incredibly confident of another victory on Sunday Night Football.
Rodgers: Packers defense incomparable to its past
Amidst a noisy offseason in Green Bay, one group has been moving in silence. And if their quarterback is to be believed, they could finally get over the hump and back to the promised land.
Amidst a noisy offseason in Green Bay, one group has been moving in silence. And if their quarterback is to be believed, they could finally get over the hump and back to the promised land.
"It's definitely different," Rodgers told local reporters today. "It's not really like any of the other defenses that I've faced over the years in practice."
Joe Barry, Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator, has caused confusion for Rodgers and the offense during practice since taking over from the released Mike Pettine.
Recognizing the coverages of Barry’s new defense has been of Rodgers’ bug bears early on this preseason, with third-year safety Darnell Savage particularly causing confusion.
Savage has halted Rodgers many times throughout practice with his ability to swiftly shift positions and find himself where No. 12 wants to throw the ball. So much so, Rodgers has pulled him aside to pick his brain.
"I saw a flash out of my eye, and I couldn't believe … what the hell was Darnell doing there?" Rodgers said. "You're seeing these guys kind of running all over the place, which is definitely difficult even for an older quarterback like myself."
As for the Packers offense and the reigning MVP, there’s not much that’s going to be different. Why would there be after being the #1 scoring offense in the NFL in 2020?
"There's not a whole lot we wanted to change," Rodgers said when asked about this season’s offense.
"I think we might want to refine some things that we did last year and kick some plays out that really didn't fit what we were doing. Added a few things, some wrinkles. Matt does a great job of communicating those things."
Why Davante Adams & Packers canceled extension talks
If you thought Green Bay’s offseason couldn’t get much worse, then look away now.
If you thought Green Bay’s offseason couldn’t get much worse, then look away now.
The Packers are already engaged in one will he/won’t he saga with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and now All-Pro receiver Davante Adams is set to join him.
Despite being in discussions for months about a new long-term extension with the team, both Adams and the Packers have decided to end negotiations with the relationship said to be in a “bad place” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport’s sources.
According to Rapoport, Green Bay have not offered a package which would make Adams football’s #1 paid receiver — a central component as to why extension talks have ceased.
Talks had continued despite the uncertainty surrounding Packers quarterback - another currently disgruntled with the front office.
Last season was spectacular for Adams on an individual level — finishing as the league leader in touchdown receptions (18) and fifth among receivers in yards.
The 28-year-old will become an unrestricted agent at the end of the 2021 NFL season.
Packers fans would love some positive news to come out of Lambeau quick smart. It’s difficult to see how they can return to former glories when their two prized assets remain at odds with the organization.
NFL announces Preseason TV schedule
An enormous 23 games will be shown on the league’s broadcast channel…this includes to quadruple-headers in Weeks 1 and 2 before two doses of triple-headers in Week 3.
The NFL announced this week there will be a record number of preseason games will be shown on NFL Network.
Let’s hope we’ll see more of this!
Importantly, all preseason games will be shown on NFL GamePass, which is fantastic news for international and American fans alike.
An enormous 23 games will be shown on the league’s broadcast channel will show eight games through Weeks 1-2 before a final seven during the third and final week of preseason.
This includes to quadruple-headers in Weeks 1 and 2 before two doses of triple-headers in Week 3.
The Football Team kick off NFL Network’s coverage on August 12 at New England, where we should get our first official look at Mac Jones in a Patriots uniform.
Trevor Lawrence is likely to hit your screens on August 14 as Urban Meyer and the Jags host AFC rivals, Cleveland.
Media and fans alike will be hoping to get a glimpse of Jordan Love too, which may come as early as Week 2 (August 21) at home to Zac Wilson and Gang Green.
Below is a full list of the games to air on NFL Network across the preseason:
Week 1
Thursday, August 12
7:30 PM ET – Washington Football Team vs. New England Patriots
Friday, August 13
7:00 PM ET – Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions
10:00 PM ET – Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals
Saturday, August 14
1:00 PM ET – Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears
4:00 PM ET – Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings
7:00 PM ET – Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
10:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, August 15
1:00 PM ET – Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 2
Thursday, August 19
7:30 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Friday, August 20
8:00 PM ET – Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Football Team
Saturday, August 21
1:00 PM ET – Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears
4:25 PM ET – New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers
7:30 PM ET – Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
10:00 PM ET – Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, August 22
1:00 PM ET – New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns
7:30 PM ET – San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3
Friday, August 27
8:00 PM ET – Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Saturday, August 28
1:00 PM ET – Green Bay Packers vs. Buffalo Bills
7:00 PM ET – Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans
10:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, August 29
1:00 PM ET – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys
4:00 PM ET – Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
6:00 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
For American fans — NFL Network will blackout live games shown concurrently in local markets.
Aaron Rodgers turns down contract to become NFL’s highest paid player
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, A-Rod turned down a two-year extension, meaning he would have remained in TItletown until the end of the 2025 season.
Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with the Packers is far from fixed with the first-ballot Hall of Fame declining their offer to become the NFL’s biggest earner.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, A-Rod turned down a two-year extension, meaning he would have remained in TItletown until the end of the 2025 season.
Rumors persist that Rodgers wants to leave Milwaukee, with Denver spoken about heavily. The prospect no matter how unlikely, is an enticing one for Broncos Country who would have another game-wrecker to go with Von Miller and their stout defense.
It had been rumored Rodgers was offered a new deal by Green Bay, however Schefter’s revelation of the scale proves yet again the Packers and no.12 are a long way apart.
Many expect the reigning MVP to return to Green Bay and head up the Packers’ push for a first Super Bowl appearance since their 31-25 win over Pittsburgh in 2011.
Whatever happens, we know this isn’t about money for Aaron, this proves it more than anything thus far.
If Rodgers doesn’t make his way to Denver before the season, this saga may not have an end date.
Buckle up folks.
NFL announces joint practices - Who your team is playing and why
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
Joint practices aren’t a new phenomenon in the NFL. They essentially act as an opportunity for teams and players to go through scrimmages against different personnel.
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
New Orleans and Jacksonville were set to meet in Louisiana on August 20, but since the release of the schedule both teams have confirmed otherwise.
Teams NOT involved in joint practices this offseason:
Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Football Team
Some teams will engage in two bouts of joint practices; the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and both the New York clubs (Jets and Giants).
Arguably, the most famous joint practice moment of recent memory involved then-Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins and Washington’s DeAngelo Hall getting into it. Things got interesting, real quick…
Thankfully for DB’s everywhere their ankles won’t be tested by D-Hop until preseason at the earliest.
Full list of this year’s joint practices:
Courtesy of NFL Communications
Packers record big financial loss in 2020
The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
Like many NFL franchises the Green Bay Packers were hit hard from the moment COVID spread across America. The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
“It was the first time we haven’t had a profit in over 20 years,” Murphy revealed, via Bill Huber of SI.com.
For context, the Packers most recent operating previous was prior to its Lambeau’s renovation in 2003.
As is well known, most teams, 13 to be precise, played without a single fan last season. Unsurprisingly, the league leader in attendance was the Dallas Cowboys with an average of 28,187 packed in to AT&T Stadium at their home games.
Green Bay disclosed a $371.1 million earning in total revenue, naturally well down on its record-setting $506.9 million from the 2020 fiscal year.
“COVID obviously impacted the Packers from a financial perspective,” Murphy said.
“Our local revenue was significantly impacted. Still, we really feel that we remain in a strong financial position going forward and that we will continue to be able to provide the resources for the organization to be successful both on and off the field. As we all faced health and economic challenges with the pandemic, we really feel we emerged in a very good financial position.”
It wasn’t all bad news for the Pack, and NFL more broadly, with teams splitting a $9.894 billion national revenue share. Up $42 million from the previous season. You can thank the expanded playoffs.
“It’s a real credit to the league that we were able to play a full slate of regular-season games and postseason games,” Murphy said.
“It was really crucial. We knew if we were able to get all the games broadcast that would cover all of our player expenses.”
The stage is set for a $10+ billion total for the 2021 fiscal year (began April 1) with the introduction of a 17-game regular season.
‘Maybe We’ll Have something to talk about’: Devante Adams on possible reunion with Derek Carr
Derek Carr and Davante Adams were the ultimate duo in college, starring for little-known Fresno State. Though both have been apart for eight years now, playing for the Raiders and Packers respectively.
Carr recently said he’d do just about anything, including a “full-court press” to land his fellow Bulldog alum.
Derek Carr and Davante Adams were the ultimate duo in college, starring for little-known Fresno State. Though both have been apart for eight years now, playing for the Raiders and Packers respectively.
Carr recently said he’d do just about anything, including a “full-court press” to land his fellow Bulldog alum.
Sadly for Raiders fans, Adams poured cold water on those claims for now, but stopped short of saying a reunion in Allegiant Stadium was off the table.
“Well, I mean, I’m a Packer, so I can’t really get too far ahead on that,” Adams said, via Evan Webeck of the Bay Area News Group.
“When the season ends and if nothing’s figured out, then maybe we’ll have something to talk about. But those are cautious waters, so I can’t really dabble in that now.”
Adams and the Packers have plenty to figure out with Aaron Rodgers’ position on the roster still under question as we head toward training camp.
One thing is for certain though, if Adams does exercise his free agency rights, the Raiders won’t be the only suitor in the queue.
Bengals OC: Tee Higgins ‘will be a Problem’ this season
After a promising rookie season, former Clemson product Tee Higgins is ready to take things up a level, that’s according to a man who knows him better than most.
After a promising rookie season, former Clemson product Tee Higgins is ready to take things up a level, that’s according to a man who knows him better than most.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan couldn’t be happier with the shape Higgins is in heading into his sophomore season.
“He’s more explosive,” Callahan said, via Geoff Hobson of the Bengals website. “I went back and watched some stuff the other day and looked at his routes on air right now and he’s markedly more explosive.
“It’s not necessarily that he’s gotten faster or that he’s a different type of player, he’s just now understanding how to bring those skills into practice every single day and the consistency that it requires to improve the speed you have to play with all the time.”
Higgins had a quietly impressive first year in the National Football League amassing 67 receptions, 908 yards and six touchdowns.
“When you’re a young player, you kind of find your way through. I think he’s found that. Now he knows what it takes to get to the next level of his game. He put all the work in to do it. I’m very, very excited about where he is at and where he is headed. He’s going to be a problem for defenses,” Callahan added.
With a rejuvenated Joe Burrow back on board, Higgins, and his fellow receivers — namely Tyler Boyd and No. 5 overall pick Ja’Marr Chase — are set to feast on secondaries.