Josh Jacobs Joins Packers, Eyes Bright Future After Raiders Stint
Josh Jacobs, known for his remarkable performances on the gridiron, has made headlines throughout his career in the NFL. However, as the new season approaches, Jacobs's future looks markedly different. Reflecting on his tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, it's clear that change was on the horizon for the talented running back. With five seasons, two Pro Bowl appearances, and a rushing title under his belt, Jacobs's journey has been one of highs and lows.
Jacobs recently appeared on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast, where he articulated his frustrations and hopes for the future. His candid discussion shed light on the reasons behind his departure from the Raiders, expressing discontent with the organization’s culture and performance. "That went (into) me leaving," Jacobs recounted. "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's winning mentality, forged during his college years at Alabama, clashed with his experiences in Las Vegas. Despite their efforts, the Raiders failed to secure a significant breakthrough, leaving Jacobs and other key players like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby in a constant state of near-success. Reflecting on this, Jacobs said, "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."
This offseason, the landscape changed dramatically for Jacobs as he signed with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers, who've averaged 11.2 wins per season over the past five years and made the playoffs four times in that span, present a new opportunity for Jacobs. Last season, they showcased their resilience by overcoming a 3-6 start to advance to the divisional round, including an upset victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round.
Jacobs is optimistic about his new team's potential, especially with the talented quarterback Jordan Love leading the charge. "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."
The Packers' robust offense, highlighted by a well-regarded offensive line and a talented group of receivers, aligns well with Jacobs's ambitions. His move to Green Bay signifies not just a change of scenery but a renewed sense of purpose. This new chapter is set against a backdrop of high expectations, both for Jacobs and the team. The synergy between Jacobs's skills and the Packers' offensive strategies could very well spell success in the upcoming season.
As Jacobs embraces this new opportunity, fans, analysts, and fellow players will watch closely to see how he integrates into the Packers' system. His determination to win, honed from his college days and tested in the NFL, remains as fierce as ever. With the Packers' strong organizational foundation and Jacobs’s undeniable talent, the season ahead holds promise for both the player and his new team.