Aaron Jones made quite the spectacle as he strolled through U.S. Bank Stadium before the Minnesota Vikings' highly anticipated matchup against the Chicago Bears. He was decked out in his well-known signature look—a vibrant purple sombrero paired with his trademark Oakley shades. The scene was just another chapter of a quirky tradition Jones has built, one that's deeply tied to his roots and love for his hometown.
Jones’ penchant for playful headgear isn’t just for show; it’s about heritage. The 28-year-old running back hails from the border city of El Paso, Texas, which boasts its own vibrant Hispanic culture. His celebrated sombrero first made its appearance back in 2019 when his girlfriend jokingly challenged him to don the festive headpiece for his game against the Dallas Cowboys. Not only did he wear it, but he also put on quite the performance, rushing for over 100 yards and scoring four touchdowns. From there, the sombrero became part of his pregame ritual.
Reflecting on his love for this unique piece of attire, Jones told Inside Hook, “I’m from El Paso and the city has a huge Hispanic and Mexican culture. We [The Packers] were actually playing in Dallas, and I went and got a costume sombrero and wore it with my outfit. I was getting so many compliments.” His connection to his heritage runs deep. A Packers fan known as Señor Cheese Head reached out to him, gifting him with his first authentic sombrero—a Packer-themed one, no less. When Jones switched his allegiance from Green Bay to Minnesota earlier this year, he celebrated by swapping his green hat for his latest purple addition, which fans readily admired.
On this game night, he complemented the flamboyant hat with light wash blue jeans generously embellished with flames and topped off the look with a casual tan hoodie. Adding to the intrigue, he carried with him what appeared to be a silver briefcase, quickly nicknamed the “nuclear codes” by fans, igniting playful banter about what strategies were tucked inside. "The briefcase with the nuclear codes is, in fact, called 'the football.' So I suppose it fits,” quipped one fan, highlighting the mixture of humor and seriousness tied to his role with the team.
Wearing the sombrero and his shades has become more than just fashion to Jones; it embodies his commitment to represent El Paso. Rod Rodriguez, current linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals and another El Paso native, praised Jones for bringing visibility to his hometown. "Aaron is not somebody else appropriATING anything. That is his culture. Sombreros are all over El Paso. If you go to a restaurant and celebrate birthdays, we have mariachis all the time,” he said. Rodriguez also mentioned how Jones’ tradition serves as homage to his community, noting how it puts smiles on the faces of local residents each time they see him on the field with his sombrero.
Despite playing for the Vikings now, Aaron Jones consistently brings attention back to the city he loves. Beyond just wearing the sombrero, he makes it known after every touchdown by flashing the area code of El Paso, 9-1-5, with his hands. It’s his way of sending love back home and reminding kids from the community they’ve got someone rooting for them at the highest levels of sport. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of this connection, saying, "It means the absolute world to everybody back home," noting how many people from El Paso move away yet might forget their roots. Jones has become somewhat of a hero for those children, embodying hope and inspiration.
Now, as Jones takes to the field, he does so with more than just personal flair; he brings with him the spirit and culture of El Paso. His presence on the field is as much about performance—893 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season—as it is about representation and pride. The Vikings are thriving this season, boasting both impressive stats and camaraderie, holding onto an 11-2 record and pursuing the top seat of the NFC. Amidst this, Jones’ flamboyant pregame attire—including his ever-popular sombrero and shades—carries forth his commitment to culture, community, and personal tradition. The real question most fans might have is: will his stunning kickoff look remain consistent game after game?
