NFL Makes Vikings, Aaron Jones Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Trevor Squire | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 1:35 PM ET

Even in his age-30 season and first year away from the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Jones proved he has more left in the tank for the Minnesota Vikings.

Jones posted a career-high 1,138 rushing yards and added 51 receptions for 408 yards receiving to add to a career-high 306 total touches for the former Pro Bowl running back.

His performance was an anomaly considering running-back regression trends. Most running backs plateau or decline after their rookie contract, while Jones proved he's still among the best in the league, ranking top 10 in rushing yards last season.

The NFL also took notice of the type of season Jones had that landed him a two-year, $20 million extension in March just a year after the Packers released him.

On Tuesday, July 1, the NFL announced that Jones was voted in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025 by his peers, landing at No. 98 on the list. This is Jones' fourth career appearance in an "NFL Top 100" listing. He was ranked at No. 33 in 2020, No. 30 in 2021 and No. 64 in 2023 while with the Packers.

While Jones only played one season with former Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, who signed a multi-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, the respect for Jones has been admired from across the sidelines for years.

NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@Vikings RB Aaron Jones is ranked No. 98! #NFLTop100 @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/PJ1SVYrKrW
— NFL (@NFL) July 1, 2025

"Aaron Jones is one of those guys that has been tough to go against the past few years when he's been in Green Bay. He gave me my welcome ot the NFL moment my rookie year," Bynum said, detailing a play where Jones stiff-armed Bynum to the grass en route to the end zone in 2021.

"I end up on my Instagram a few days later, all friends were tagging me, roasting me in the comments," Bynum added. "I've always had a secret rivalry with him, it was cool to get him on our side."

The video package announcing Jones' spot on the list features comments from many of his new Vikings teammates who lauded his ability and leadership.

Jones is joined by former San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason as the Vikings' top two running backs who should have prominent roles in the offense this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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