As the Vikings geared up for kickoff against the Bears last weekend at U.S. Bank Stadium, veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr. stood at midfield for the coin toss for the first time since being named a team captain.
He had no choice other than to switch up his pregame routine. It was a direct order from the man in charge: His 5-year-old son, Aaron Jones Jr.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) dances with his son Aaron Jr. before the start an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
They were recently walking around inside TCO Performance Center when the kid known affectionately as Junior spotted his dad’s picture on the Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy Wall near the player entrance. He’s been around long enough to know some of the responsibilities that come with such an honor.
“We were standing there,” Jones said with a hearty laugh while he set the scene. “He goes, ‘Why haven’t you been out there for the coin toss?’ I’m like, ‘I’m on the sideline trying to get guys going.’ He goes, ‘Well I think you earned it, so you should go out there.’ I’m like, ‘OK Dad.’ He sounds exactly like my dad.”
That’s not something Jones takes for granted. The unique opportunity of Jones getting to share his NFL dream with his son has also helped him navigate the greatest loss he’s ever experienced.
To fully know Jones is to know his dad, Alvin, and his mom, Vurgess. They both served in the U.S. Army and retired as sergeant majors. They built a life together along the way, making sure all of their kids, including Aaron and his twin brother Alvin, had a clear distinguishing between right and wrong.
It was a strict household that was simultaneously filled with an undeniable love, regardless of where the family was living on assignment.
“If I could be half the man my dad was for me, then I know I’ll have done an amazing job,” Jones said. “I’m relying on the foundation he gave me while I’m trying to raise my son to be a good person.”
There’s a reason Jones is using past tense. He lost his dad due to complications with COVID-19 in the heart of the pandemic. As he reflected on that unspeakable tragedy, which he’ll never completely shake, he tried to put it in perspective as best he could.
His son was born on April 17, 2020. His dad died on April 6, 2021.
“It’s almost like God gave a life to me and took a life from me,” Jones said. “Maybe that’s the way it is for some of us.”
The grief hit Jones like a tidal wave. He struggled to move on. He was playing for the Packers, and while he was entering his prime, there were prolonged stretches where he’d rather have been anywhere else. He was numb to the outside world.
The only part that kept Jones going some days while he mourned was having his son by his side. He poured all of his attention into Junior. He remembers his dad being strong for him. He vowed to be strong for his son.
“He definitely got me through it,” Jones said. “I think that’s why our bond is the way it is.”
He eventually started to bring Junior to work with him. It started when he was with the Packers. It’s continued with the Vikings.
“It goes back to me sharing the military life with my dad,” Jones said. “I was 5 years old running with the soldiers. I liked the exercise and my dad always had me right there with him. I’m kind of like that with my son where I have him everywhere with me.”
It’s helped Jones stay committed to the grind. At least a few times per week, he will return home from TCO Performance Center, eat dinner with the family, then head back to work because, well, Junior wants to go.
“He loves it,” Jones said. “He’ll be like, ‘Can we go to the practice facility? Can we go to the practice facility? Can we go to the practice facility?’”
Most of the shared trips to TCO Performance Center after hours usually feature Jones spending some time in the sauna followed by bouncing back and forth between the hot tub and the cold tub. There’s a life vest for Junior in his locker. He doesn’t need it anymore, because he recently learned how to swim.
“He holds me accountable,” Jones said. “Let’s say we’re up there and I don’t want to get in the cold tub or something like that. He’ll go in the cold tub and do a lap and be like, ‘Alright it’s your turn.’ It kind of gives me no excuse.”
The relationship Jones has with his son hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates.
“He acts just like his dad,” receiver Justin Jefferson said. “He’s always carrying the football around. You can definitely tell Aaron got him into that running back mindset. I’m looking forward to him being a running back coming soon.”
“He’s a good kid,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “He’s a lot of fun to be around. He’s definitely got a little bit of juice to him. He sees us messing around in here and he wants to be a part of it.”
“I envy their relationship,” defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez said. “I can’t wait to have my kids and have them in the building and have them around all my brothers. To be able to be a part of his life is really cool. I’m always trying to let him know he’s seen.”
It’s rewarding for Jones that his son is finally at the age where he’s starting to make his own memories. He won’t have to tell Junior what life used to be like when he was in the NFL, because he will be able to remember it for himself.
“He’s out here calling these guys his uncles,” Jones said. “I’m trying to get through his head how special that is, because I want him to have gratitude. I’m also trying to get him to understand that we’re blessed because of hard work. I’m hoping it it makes him be like, ‘I’ve got to work hard in whatever I do if I want to be successful.’”
As much as he loves taking his son to TCO Performance Center, Jones also relishes the time they get to spend together at U.S. Bank Stadium. He always carves out time for Junior as a part of his pregame and postgame routines.
“I come home and I’m like, ‘How did I play?’” Jones said. “He tells me what he thinks.”
It’s the same conversation he had with his dad countless times throughout his life. And while he’d give anything to have it with him once more, Jones is grateful he now gets to share that moment with his son.
“He’ll be like, ‘I’m proud of you Daddy,’” Jones said. “He lets me know that every time I come through the door. It’s special to be able to share this part of my life with him. It’s made us that much closer.”
Yes, when the Vikings gear up for kickoff against the Packers this weekend at Lambeau Field, Jones will stand at midfield for the coin toss. He will do so with his dad watching from above, and his son watching from the stands.
“I’m blessed that he’s been here with me,” Jones said. “I think God knew I needed him.”
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