Aaron Jones (running back)
A fifth-round draft pick who silenced critics to become the explosive, touchdown-scoring heart of the Green Bay Packers' offense for a generation.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American football player·Birthday: December 2·Millennials
Biography
Aaron Jones's path to NFL stardom was far from guaranteed. Playing at the University of Texas at El Paso, he put up impressive numbers but largely outside the national spotlight. The Green Bay Packers took a chance on him in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, a selection that would pay historic dividends. Jones quickly transformed from a depth piece into an offensive centerpiece, combining elusive speed with surprising power. His 2019 season was a masterpiece, as he led the entire league in rushing touchdowns, sharing the title, and became a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. More than just stats, he embodied consistency and clutch performance, etching his name into Packers lore as one of the franchise's most productive rushers before beginning a new chapter with the Minnesota Vikings.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aaron was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aaron Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Aaron's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019 with 16, tying for the league lead.
- Earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 following a season with over 1,100 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.
- Finished his Packers tenure ranked third in franchise history for career rushing yards.
- Set a Packers single-game record with 4 rushing touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in 2019.
Did You Know?
He and his father shared the same name, so he added 'Sr.' to his own name after his son was born.
He ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine while still recovering from an ankle injury.
He is of African-American and Korean descent through his mother.
He majored in kinesiology at UTEP.
“They said I was too small, they said I couldn't pass protect, they said I couldn't catch. I just use it as fuel.”
