The Green Bay Packers have had some resilient players on their team in recent years, but head coach Matt LaFleur thinks that one player has been tougher than the others.
ESPN’s Kevin Clark questioned LaFleur about the most [expletive] player he’s ever coached during a recent interview with the Packers head coach. It didn’t take long for LaFleur to respond with running back Aaron Jones.
“It might be too soon but like, Aaron Jones is a…he’s a [expletive] football player,” LaFleur replied. “For a guy that’s 190 pounds, and just the beating that the runners take in general. I mean, it’s like a car crash every time they get tackled…But his ability to come back later in the year and what he was able to do. I would say that was pretty [expletive].”
LaFleur has coached numerous Pro Bowlers and intimidating players on both sides of the ball. Nonetheless, his response indicates the toughness that Jones possesses as a smaller running back.
An Uncomfortable Departure for Aaron Jones
LaFleur may hold Jones in high regard, but the Packers chose to release their star running back this offseason.
Jones was released by the Packers in an awkward manner. Green Bay made one of the most unexpected early acquisitions in free agency by signing Josh Jacobs. The Packers awarded him a four-year, $48 million contract, but the initial assumption was that Jones would remain to play alongside him.
Instead, the Packers released Jones almost immediately after signing Jacobs. Jones appeared to take the release personally, signing a one-year deal with the rival Minnesota Vikings a day later.
The move surprised Packers fans. Jones had been one of the most notable bright spots on the team since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He left Green Bay third in all-time rushing behind Ahman Green and Jim Taylor. His career stats included 5,940 rushing yards and 63 total touchdowns in seven seasons.
Now, the Packers will be hoping that Jacobs can bring a similar spark to the offense. Unfortunately, he’ll have plenty of pressure to bring the same kind of off-field presence that Jones had to the fanbase.
Matt LaFleur Enjoys Having a “War Daddy”
LaFleur selected Jones as the most challenging player he’s ever coached. However, he has his own distinctive term to describe some of his other players not afraid of being physical.
In 2022, LaFleur characterized former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard as a “war daddy,” commending him for his toughness. He used the same phrase to describe rookie wideout Jayden Reed this past season, while also calling him a dog.
LaFleur has always been a fan of physical and competitive wide receivers. He emphasizes blocking at the position, and has credited his time with Andre Johnson as a reason for that while he coached with the Houston Texans.
Losing a competitive and tough player like Jones will hurt the Packers offense. However, LaFleur is hoping players like Reed can continue to bring that physical edge in 2024 and beyond.
