The Green Bay Packers have to be used to their former players teaming up with NFC North rivals by now. At this point it feels like it happens every off-season. Multiple former players signed with NFC North rivals last off-season. This off-season was highlighted by Aaron Jones signing with the Minnesota Vikings just days after being released by the Packers.
Now there’s another former Packer suiting up in purple this year.
Another Former Green Bay Packers Starter Signs With The Minnesota Vikings
![Green Bay Packers Fans React To Former 20-Game Starter Signing With NFC North Rival 2 Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (85) makes a reception against the Chicago Bears during their football game on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Lambeau Field. in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Apc Pack Vs Bears 4124 091822wag](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_19076227-scaled-e1679236675633-852x600.jpg)
Our very own Robin Adams of Wisconsin Sports Heroics brilliantly highlighted the news on Thursday:
Tonyan, who played for the Packers for five seasons before playing in Chicago last year, has decided to keep his career in the NFC North. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers’ record holder for touchdowns in a season by a tight end has signed to play with the Minnesota Vikings.
Tonyan joins former Packers running back Aaron Jones, who was released by Green Bay earlier this offseason. They join a long list of former Packers players who have trekked across the border to play in Minnesota.
Last season, Tonyan had just 11 receptions for 112 yards and no touchdowns. Of course, he was playing behind Cole Kmet, who had 73 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns.
In five seasons with the Packers, Tonyan had 137 receptions for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns. His best season came in 2020 when he had 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. After tearing his ACL in 2021, Tonyan returned in 2022 to set a career high in receptions (53) while also logging 470 yards and two touchdowns.
Packers Fans React To Yet Another Former Player Signing With The Vikings
![Green Bay Packers Fans React To Former 20-Game Starter Signing With NFC North Rival 3 Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (85) pulls down a first down reception against Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott (5) during their football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_19751808_168400517_lowres-1.jpg)
It was no surprise that another former Packers started decided to join the Vikings. Fans took to social media when they saw the news:
I will always like Bobby. I hope him and jones play great 15 of the 17 weeks.
— JDB (@JDB_37_) May 17, 2024
If he could go ahead and join the Bucs next year he’d hit the ultra rare OG NFC Norris Quinfecta
— Pete (@Pete14517405) May 16, 2024
— Dodgers Lyss (@notlyssa) May 16, 2024
Everybody in the NFC North is just trading sloppy seconds around.
— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) May 16, 2024
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