Going into Week 17, there was a great deal of chatter regarding how much the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings simply do not like each other. As NFC North division rivals, and according to recent history the two best teams in the division, that should come as no surprise. Since the NFL re-aligned divisions in 2002, Green Bay has won the North 12 times. Minnesota has won it five times, and could win it again this year if they defeat the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
Unfortunately, the Packers did not seem like they were ready to play their fierce rivals on Sunday afternoon, falling 27-25 in a game that was not nearly as close as it appeared. A win could have given Green Bay a path to the the fifth seed in the NFC, but now they face the possibility of falling to the seventh seed should the Washington Commanders win out.
But despite the pregame hate talk, and even though the two teams really do not like each other, former Packers running back warmed the hearts of fans with one of his postgame comments to reporters.
Minnesota Vikings Running Back Aaron Jones Still Watches and Cheers for the Green Bay Packers

Former Packers running back Aaron Jones is enjoying a successful season in his first year with the Vikings. Going into play on Sunday, he had accumulated 1,046 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go with 42 receptions for 348 yards and two more scores.
In the game on Sunday, Jones had 12 carries for 47 yards and four receptions for 30 more. He did get pulled early, though, has he suffered a quad contusion and Minnesota wanted to play it safe with him.
After the game, Packers beat reporters caught up with Jones, and he revealed that he is still deeply attached to his former team:
.@RobDemovsky and I caught up with Aaron Jones just now. He said he watches the Packers whenever he’s not playing at the same time and still roots for them whenever they’re not playing the Vikings.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 30, 2024
Jones, as fans recall, is the third-leading rusher in Green Bay’s franchise history, having accumulated 5,490 rushing yards in seven years with the Packers. Only Ahman Green and Jim Taylor ran for more.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Aaron Jones’ Surprising Revelation

During his time in Green Bay, Jones was immensely popular with the fan base. After the Packers released him, many felt crushed that such a high-character individual was leaving the organization.
Whenever a former Packers player signs with a rival, especially the Vikings, fans usually stop cheering for them. That has not been the case with Jones, with many Green Bay fans cheering for his individual success while bemoaning how good Minnesota is this year.
It should come as no surprise, then, that fans were very happy to hear that the team still holds a special place in Jones’ heart:
Game recognize game, 🫡 @Showtyme_33 ♥️ https://t.co/jxCjwUF9cQ
— Anthony Shiffra (@AnthonyShiffra) December 30, 2024
You can never make me hate this man. https://t.co/Lcj7Rivh3w
— Coach Freed (@WIACSteve) December 30, 2024
Packer Hall of Famer. Love this guy forever https://t.co/Fc4NBGGNpL
— Kaylie Wittwer (@KaylieWittwer) December 30, 2024
Could never hate Aaron Jones. 🫱🏼🫲🏾#GoPackGo🧀#Skol⚔️#NFL🏈 https://t.co/BmMBAIv4y9
— Rip (@Gambling400) December 30, 2024
This even warmed my old, cold heart. #GoPackGo https://t.co/Rci2uQR9KO
— Jon Iaccino (@ji711) December 30, 2024
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