Josh Jacobs explains hands-behind-back TD celebration as gospel homage
The Packers running back says he modeled the move on a song, not his recent legal troubles.
By Katherine Diallo ·
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs says his recent touchdown celebration was a tribute to a gospel song, not a reference to his recent arrest.
Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list in August after charges were filed over a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. She alleged he threw her to the ground during the incident. Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal destruction of property. He returned to the field last week after the NFL removed him from the exempt list, allowing him to play while the league's investigation continues.
Jacobs returned to action in a 20-17 loss at Detroit on Sunday. He scored on a 20-17 loss at Detroit, going to his knees and raising his arms aloft after his first touchdown of the season. He told reporters he had discussed the celebration with receivers Savion Williams and others before his debut. They agreed on a move to thank God after his first score. Jacobs said he had planned a second celebration for his next touchdown, which occurred in a 27-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. He scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. After the play, he placed his hands behind his back briefly while accepting congratulations from teammates. The broadcast captured only that specific segment of the routine. The clip spread on social media, with some viewers interpreting the pose as a simulation of being handcuffed. Jacobs clarified that the full move was based on the gospel track “Break Every Chain.”
“The guys did it with me,” Jacobs said. “I didn’t think it was going to be a thing that can be perceived a certain type of way. But it’s 2026, and it is what it is.”
He noted that the telecast cut away before the celebration concluded. “It was more to it than that,” Jacobs said. “They stopped showing the celebration after that. Like I said, it is what it is.”
The Packers next play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Jacobs is scheduled to take the field, with the league's review of his case still active.
Source: WRAZ
