Aaron Jones' mom publicly criticizes his performance after win

In a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, which occurred on a past Sunday, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones faced significant criticism, notably from his own mother. After fumbling the ball twice on Minnesota's opening drives, Jones’ performance sparked a conversation with his mother, Vurgess Jones, who expressed her dissatisfaction and suggests that the team should bench him due to his struggles with ball security. This incident is particularly impactful given that it marks Jones' return to play following a rib injury. Over the past three games, he has committed four fumbles, indicating a troubling trend in his first season as a Viking. Despite these issues, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell publicly backed Jones, instilling confidence in his ability to recover and contribute to the team's success. Following the victory over the Cardinals, which secured Minnesota's fifth consecutive win, Jones confessed that his mother's harsh feedback was exactly what he needed. Reflecting on their conversation, he recalled her saying that they needed to take him out of the game for his mistakes, highlighting the weight of accountability in his performance. As Jones prepares for an upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, he has been reviewing game film in hopes of addressing his ball security issues to ensure he can perform at his best without further criticism from family or fans. This situation underscores the pressure professional athletes face not only from coaches and teammates but also from family members who watch closely and expect high performance.