The Green Bay Packers are headed to the playoffs - and they’ve gotten a little help from some familiar faces along the way.
In a twist that Packers fans can appreciate, two of the franchise’s former stars played key roles in knocking down a division rival and clearing the path to the postseason. First, it was Aaron Rodgers, now leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, who helped out his old team in Week 15 by orchestrating a 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions. That result gave Green Bay a crucial boost in the playoff race.
Then came Thursday night, when the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Lions with a 23-10 win - a result that officially locked Green Bay into the postseason. And wouldn’t you know it, another ex-Packer was front and center in that one too.
Aaron Jones, now wearing purple and gold, struck first for Minnesota, punching in a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the opening quarter. It wasn’t just a score - it was a little blast from the past. After crossing the goal line, Jones celebrated with a leap into the stands, echoing the Lambeau Leap that became his signature move in Green Bay.
While his stat line wasn’t eye-popping - 18 carries for 53 yards - that touchdown carried weight. Not only was it just his second of the season, but it was his first since Week 10, when the Vikings fell to the Ravens. And more importantly, it helped deliver a postseason berth to the team he used to call home.
Now, Jones is set to face his former team head-on in Week 18, when the Vikings host the Packers. That game could have playoff seeding implications, but it’s also shaping up as a reunion with a little extra juice.
Meanwhile, the Packers have their own business to handle this weekend. They’ll face the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field in a game that carries weight beyond just the NFC. If Green Bay can come out on top, it could help Rodgers once again - this time by knocking the Ravens down a peg and handing the AFC North crown to the Steelers.
It’s a full-circle moment for Green Bay. With Rodgers and Jones each playing a part in the Packers’ playoff push - albeit from different sidelines - it’s a reminder of how interconnected this league can be. The past and present are colliding in real time, and for the Packers, it’s all coming together at just the right moment.