Josh Jacobs’ transition from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Green Bay Packers has brought renewed optimism for the star running back. After five seasons with the Raiders, including two Pro Bowl appearances and a rushing title, Jacobs found himself contemplating his future. His appearance on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast in June provided insights into his decision.
"That went (into) me leaving," Jacobs shared. "Coming from Alabama, I went to a championship every year I was there. I remember coming to the league and losing my first game, and I was mad and not talking to nobody. A vet came up to me and was like, 'This is the NFL. You're going to lose.' I'm like, 'So ya'll cool with losing?' It was so different."
Jacobs' competitive spirit, honed during his college years at Alabama, clashed with the struggles he faced in Las Vegas. Despite having formidable teammates like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby, the team’s consistent inability to secure victories weighed heavily on him. "Then, the most frustrating thing about it all, you've got me, and Tae (Davante Adams) and Maxx (Crosby), you've got guys who come in every day and work hard, and you don't get the results. ... You'll be close every year, but (we're) not winning. You want me to come back on a discount and lose? I don't know how I feel about that," Jacobs explained.
His quest for a more promising environment led him to the Green Bay Packers, a team known for its recent consistency. Over the past five years, the Packers have averaged 11.2 wins per season and made the playoffs four times. Their resilience was particularly evident last season when they overcame a 3-6 start to advance to the divisional round, stunning the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round.
Jordan Love, the Packers’ quarterback, is expected to be a pivotal figure in the team’s offensive strategy. Jacobs is optimistic about the potential they can unlock together. "I honestly think the sky is the limit in this offense," Jacobs remarked. "Obviously, with having a special guy in Jordan Love, you know, and having a good offensive line and some good receivers out there makes it a lot easier for me, but just to be able to see the game plan and things that they want me to do this year, the things that they're allowing me to do, I just think it's going to be a special year."
Jacobs’ move to Green Bay signifies more than just a change in team colors. It's a statement about his desire to align himself with an organization that matches his championship aspirations. The Packers, with a well-regarded offensive line and a talented group of receivers, provide him with the support system he believes is crucial for a successful season.
This renewed sense of purpose is likely to be a driving force for Jacobs as he integrates into the Packers’ dynamic. His arrival injects additional talent and experience into a squad already poised for success under the guidance of head coach Matt LaFleur and the leadership of Jordan Love. With these pieces in place, Jacobs' confidence in the team’s prospects for the upcoming season seems well-founded.
The Green Bay Packers and Josh Jacobs share a common goal: to reach the pinnacle of NFL success. For Jacobs, this new chapter with a storied franchise like the Packers marks a significant step forward in his professional journey, one that aligns with his championship pedigree and relentless drive to win.