Josh Jacobs: From Homelessness to NFL Stardom – The Complete Career Journey

Josh Jacobs has become one of the NFL’s premier running backs since entering the league in 2019. His journey from homelessness to NFL stardom stands as a remarkable story of perseverance and talent. Currently playing for the Green Bay Packers, Jacobs has established himself as one of football’s most productive backs through his powerful running style and versatility on the field.

The NFL star’s career highlights include leading the league in rushing yards in 2022, earning Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors that same season. His unique blend of power, balance, and pass-catching ability has made him a valuable asset to his teams and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Early Life and Overcoming Adversity

Josh Jacobs was born on February 11, 1998, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he faced significant challenges from an early age. His childhood story goes beyond typical athletic hardship. For a time, Jacobs and his four siblings lived with their father, Marty, in cars around Tulsa when they couldn’t find stable housing.

The family would sometimes bounce between motels when they could afford it. When no other options existed, they slept in their car in the north side of Tulsa. These experiences shaped Jacobs’ outlook on life and fueled his determination to create a better future.

Despite these difficult circumstances, Jacobs never used his situation as an excuse. He excelled at McLain High School in Tulsa, showing natural athletic talent that would eventually catch the eye of college recruiters. His father taught him to stay focused on his goals regardless of their living situation.

The hardships Jacobs experienced as a child built an uncommon mental toughness. This resilience would later become evident in his running style on the football field, where he became known for fighting through contact and never giving up on plays.

College Career

Josh Jacobs wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school despite his obvious talents. He joined Alabama as a three-star recruit, considered an underrated prospect by many standards. This relatively modest beginning makes his rise to prominence even more impressive.

At Alabama, Jacobs played under legendary coach Nick Saban from 2016 to 2018. During this time, he shared the backfield with other future NFL players including Damien Harris and Najee Harris. Despite the crowded backfield, Jacobs found ways to stand out with his versatility and explosive play.

His college statistics don’t tell the whole story of his impact. In three seasons at Alabama, Jacobs rushed for 1,491 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 571 receiving yards and 5 touchdown catches. Though not eye-popping numbers, NFL scouts noticed his efficiency and complete skill set.

Alabama prepared Jacobs for the NFL by teaching him professional-level techniques and football knowledge. He learned to pass protect, catch passes, and run between the tackles – skills that would make him a complete back at the next level. His time with the Crimson Tide also taught him how to perform under pressure on college football’s biggest stage.

NFL Draft and Rookie Season

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Josh Jacobs with the 24th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. This selection made him the first running back taken that year, showing the Raiders’ belief in his potential despite his relatively limited workload at Alabama.

Jacobs made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,150 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 13 games before a shoulder injury ended his season. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and established him as one of the league’s promising young stars.

What impressed coaches most about his rookie campaign wasn’t just the statistics but how quickly he adapted to the NFL game. Jacobs showed vision, power, and elusiveness that belied his rookie status. He ranked among the league leaders in broken tackles and yards after contact.

The Raiders’ offense relied heavily on Jacobs during his first season. He averaged 88.5 rushing yards per game and proved capable of handling a full workload as the team’s featured back. His successful rookie season set high expectations for his NFL career moving forward.

Rise to NFL Stardom with the Raiders

Josh Jacobs reached new heights in 2022 when he led the NFL in rushing with 1,653 yards. This breakthrough season earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors. He added 12 rushing touchdowns and showed improved receiving skills with 400 yards through the air.

His development as a complete running back became evident that season. Beyond just carrying the ball, Jacobs improved as a receiver and pass protector, rarely leaving the field on third downs. This three-down ability made him one of the most valuable backs in football.

The statistical breakdown of his best seasons shows remarkable consistency. In 2022, Jacobs averaged over 100 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry. He ranked first in the league in rushing yards, rushing first downs, and total scrimmage yards among running backs.

What made this rise to stardom more impressive was that it came during a challenging period for the Raiders organization. Despite team struggles, Jacobs remained productive and reliable. His performance earned him respect throughout the league and cemented his status as one of the NFL’s elite running backs.

Playing Style and Strengths

Josh Jacobs runs with a bruising style that makes him difficult to bring down. His exceptional contact balance allows him to bounce off would-be tacklers and gain extra yards after contact. NFL defenders often need multiple players to stop him once he builds momentum.

As a receiver, Jacobs offers more than most power backs. He catches passes naturally and can create mismatches against linebackers in coverage. This dual-threat ability keeps him on the field for all three downs and makes him more valuable to his team’s offense.

Pass protection remains an underrated part of Jacobs’ game. He willingly takes on blitzing linebackers and has the technique and strength to stop them. Many running backs struggle with this aspect of the position, but Jacobs excels, making him a complete player.

Compared to other elite NFL running backs, Jacobs combines power and elusiveness in a rare package. While not possessing breakaway speed like some backs, his vision, patience, and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces set him apart. His running style resembles a blend of Frank Gore’s vision and Marshawn Lynch’s power.

Financial Growth

Josh Jacobs began his NFL career on a four-year rookie contract with the Raiders worth approximately $11.9 million. As a first-round pick, his deal included a fifth-year option that the team ultimately declined, creating an interesting contract situation.

For the 2023 season, the Raiders placed the franchise tag on Jacobs, paying him approximately $10.1 million for one year. This move came after his league-leading rushing performance in 2022, but the sides couldn’t reach a long-term agreement, setting up his eventual departure.

In March 2024, Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, including $12.5 million guaranteed. This deal represents a major financial step forward, with an average annual value of $12 million placing him among the higher-paid running backs in the NFL.

When compared to contracts of other top NFL running backs, Jacobs’ deal reflects the challenging market for the position. While not reaching the heights of Christian McCaffrey’s contract, it represents fair compensation for an elite back in today’s NFL, where teams often hesitate to invest heavily in running backs.

Move to the Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs’ signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2024 marked a new chapter in his career. After five seasons with the Raiders organization, this change of scenery paired him with a franchise known for its offensive success and stability.

The fit within the Packers’ offense looks promising. Green Bay’s system under head coach Matt LaFleur has historically featured running backs heavily in both the running and passing game. Jacobs’ versatile skill set aligns perfectly with what the Packers ask of their backs.

Expectations for Jacobs in Green Bay center around providing balance to their offense. With a young quarterback at the helm, having a reliable running game becomes even more crucial. The Packers expect Jacobs to be their workhorse back while mentoring younger players in the backfield.

His impact on the Packers’ running game should be immediate. Green Bay lacked a true three-down back of Jacobs’ caliber, and his arrival instantly upgrades their ground attack. His presence should open up play-action opportunities and take pressure off the passing game.

Impact Beyond Football

Josh Jacobs’ influence extends beyond the football field through his charitable work and community involvement. Having experienced homelessness firsthand, he actively supports organizations that assist homeless families and at-risk youth, particularly in his hometown of Tulsa and in cities where he’s played.

His willingness to speak openly about his experiences with homelessness has raised awareness about this issue. Jacobs has shared his story in interviews and community events, helping remove stigma and showing that circumstances don’t determine one’s future.

For many disadvantaged youth, Jacobs serves as a powerful role model. His journey from sleeping in cars to NFL success demonstrates what’s possible with talent, hard work, and perseverance. Young people facing similar challenges can look to his example for inspiration.

Off the field, Jacobs has begun exploring business ventures and interests that could sustain him after his playing career. While keeping a relatively low profile compared to some NFL stars, he has worked on building his brand and planning for life after football.

Future Potential

At 27 years old (as of 2025), Josh Jacobs should have several prime years remaining in his NFL career. Running backs typically peak in their mid-to-late 20s, putting him in the sweet spot of experience and physical prime.

Statistical projections for the coming seasons remain positive, especially with his move to Green Bay. In the Packers’ offense, Jacobs could reasonably produce 1,200+ rushing yards and 8-10 touchdowns annually when healthy. His receiving numbers might also increase in their system.

Several career milestones appear within reach for Jacobs. With over 5,000 career rushing yards already, the 10,000-yard mark stands as a reasonable long-term goal. He could also climb the all-time touchdown lists with continued red zone success.

Regarding his legacy potential among NFL running backs, Jacobs has already established himself as one of the better backs of his era. If he maintains his production and adds another Pro Bowl season or two with the Packers, he could be remembered as one of the more complete backs of his generation.

Conclusion

Josh Jacobs represents one of football’s most inspiring success stories. From sleeping in cars as a child to becoming an NFL rushing champion, his journey exemplifies perseverance against tremendous odds. His powerful running style, complete skill set, and mental toughness have earned him a place among the NFL’s elite running backs.

With his move to the Green Bay Packers, Jacobs begins an exciting new chapter in his career. At 27, his prime years still stretch ahead of him. The challenges he overcame early in life built the character that defines him today, both on and off the field.

As he continues his NFL career, Jacobs carries with him not just the hopes of his teams and fans, but also the inspirational message that circumstances don’t define destiny. His story reminds us that with talent, determination, and hard work, even the most difficult beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.