Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has faced sharp criticism over the touchdown celebration he performed during Thursday Night Football.
The veteran was appearing in only his second game of the season after being activated from the Commissioner’s Exempt List last week. Jacobs, 28, missed the opening six games while the NFL investigated allegations of domestic abuse.
Despite the lengthy absence, Jacobs looked fully in rhythm against the Carolina Panthers. He scored again in the second quarter at Lambeau Field, giving Green Bay a 13-10 lead in the Week 8 contest.
The touchdown, however, was quickly overshadowed by a celebration that drew widespread condemnation.
As teammates surrounded him, Jacobs clasped his hands behind his back in a gesture that appeared to imitate being placed in handcuffs.
Many viewers interpreted the move as a reference to his domestic violence arrest and expressed outrage across social media.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs appeared to mimic a handcuffing during his Thursday night celebration
Jacobs scored on the ground in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers
‘There is no way Josh Jacobs just performed a handcuff celebration after being arrested for domestic violence,’ one user wrote on X. ‘This dude has zero shame.’
Another posted: ‘He turned his domestic violence case into a touchdown dance. Impressive in the worst possible way.’
‘Josh Jacobs was arrested for domestic violence, and his first touchdown celebration back is handcuffs. Very classy,’ a third user wrote sarcastically.
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‘Josh really has no shame or remorse,’ another critic added, while a separate post called the celebration ‘not a good look.’
‘Some things should not be treated as a joke, especially when real-life issues are involved. Not every celebration is worth the message it sends,’ another user wrote.
Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. The charges were filed in August.
The three-time Pro Bowl running back was accused of grabbing the woman and throwing her to the floor of his garage, causing her to strike her head. Police said surveillance video from the garage supported the battery allegation and showed the destruction of the woman’s phone.
Last month, Jacobs was ordered to attend counseling and pay restitution to the victim.
Jacobs previously pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges after a May altercation with his then-girlfriend; he was charged in August
Football fans were left incensed over his celebration, which appeared to be a nod to his arrest
The NFL is still investigating Jacobs over the incident. As for the six games he already missed this year, those can count towards any suspension he ends up receiving.
He made his return and season debut last week against the Detroit Lions when he also scored a touchdown.
‘I thought I’d be playing sooner,’ Jacobs told reporters ahead of his return last week. ‘But, you know, the optics of everything, I understand the other side. For me, like I said, I’m just grateful to be able to play. It was one of them things where I didn’t want to sit the whole year and then figure it out. I’m just grateful to be back on the team and to be back playing.’
Jacobs also expressed regret for bringing a distraction to the team.
‘Obviously, man, I’m remorseful and sorry for putting this team in this situation,’ the running back said. ‘Sometimes when you go through life, situations occur and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life, honestly.’
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Jacobs’ attorneys said: ‘Josh has dedicated the last several months to bettering himself, and he accepts responsibility for his actions. He is excited to get back to work and on the field with his teammates.
‘Josh is grateful for the support he is receiving from his teammates, coaches, the Packers organization, and the greatest fans in the world. Since there are ongoing legal matters, he will not have any further comment.’