Jones Rushes to Runner-Up Behind Jim Brown Among Ex-DI College Hoopers

Jim Brown (Syracuse/averaged 13.1 ppg in 1954-55 and 1955-56), a legend passing away last year, completely dominates the list of NFL running backs who previously played major-college varsity basketball. Incredibly, Brown led the NFL in rushing in eight of his nine pro seasons. But do you know the ex-DI hooper who recently became runner-up to him in NFL career rushing yards after competing in college hoops? It's Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (Texas-El Paso/collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games as freshman in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd), who passed Rick Casares (Florida/two-time All-SEC second-team selection averaged 15.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg in 1951-52 and 1952-53) in this customized category by rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the Pack's last three regular-season contests prior to exceeding 100 again while scoring three rushing touchdowns in playoff opener at Dallas. Following is how the versatile trio stacks up against each other at the conclusion of this campaign:

Ex-College Hooper DI School NFL Teams (Years) Career Rushing Yards (Rank) Career Rushing TDs (Rank)
Jim Brown Syracuse Cleveland Browns (1957-1965) 12,312 (11th) 106 (6th)
Aaron Jones Texas-El Paso Green Bay Packers (2017-2023) 5,940 (105th) 45 (T104th)
Rick Casares Florida Chicago Bears/Washington Redskins/Miami Dolphins (1955-1966) 5,797 (112th) 49 (T88th)