GREEN BAY, Wis.— Aaron Jones has a four-year, $48 million dollar contract with the Green Bay Packers.
In his mind, though, he's still the fifth round draft who loves riding a kid's bike to practice.
"It's a tradition," said Jones. "It's something I love to do. I think I’m always going to ride the bikes. I came in and it’s something I fell in love with. I think it’s something I’m always going to do. I love the tradition, and it's special."
Jones disputes the notion that his role has changed with the departure of good friend Jamaal Williams to Detroit through free agency.
“I feel like my role’s the same, you know?" insisted Jones. "Just be me. I am growing as a leader, but I talk to everybody on the team. I’m there for all my teammates. I miss Jamaal a lot. He’s one of a kind. He’s a character and I love him. I told him we’d see each other two times a year. he said, 'I won’t talk too much trash to you.”'
Jones was a courtside fixture at Bucks playoff games in Milwaukee. Their championship run inspired him.
“It makes me hungry," said Jones. "Seeing the trophy and the celebrations and all those things. It was amazing, and made me want to definitely win a Super Bowl.”
Jones said he toned his body during offseason workouts in Miami and his hometown of El Paso. He cut out sweets and says while his weight is about the same, his body fat percentage is down.