Josh Jacobs found himself at a crossroads, questioning his future with the Las Vegas Raiders. The standout running back, known for his prowess on the field, was disheartened by years of hard work that failed to translate into wins. Five seasons with the Raiders, two Pro Bowl appearances, and a rushing title weren't enough to mitigate his frustration with the team's consistent struggles.
In an appearance on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast in June, Jacobs candidly shared how losing took a toll on him. "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."
For someone with a winning background like Jacobs, who played college football at Alabama, the Raiders' lackluster performance was a hard pill to swallow. Despite having talented players like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby, the results were not forthcoming. "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, Jacobs made the pivotal decision to sign with the Green Bay Packers in free agency. The Packers, a team with a storied history and recent success, seemed to promise not only a change in atmosphere but also a real chance at winning. Over the past five years, the Packers have averaged an impressive 11.2 wins per season and made the playoffs four times. Last season, they demonstrated resilience by overcoming a rough 3-6 start and advancing to the divisional round after a remarkable upset over the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round.
For Jacobs, the move to Green Bay was also influenced by the potential he sees in the Packers' offense. "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."
This optimism from Jacobs is rooted in the presence of Jordan Love, a promising quarterback stepping into the spotlight, and the cohesive unit built around him. The Packers' well-regarded offensive line and a talented group of receivers complement Jacobs's dynamic playing style, offering a promising foundation for the season ahead.
As Jacobs embarks on this new chapter with the Packers, his focus remains on contributing to a winning culture that mirrors his college experience. The move signifies not just a geographical shift but a renewed sense of purpose and determination to compete at the highest level. For Packers fans and NFL observers alike, Jacobs's arrival adds an exciting new dimension to a team already brimming with potential.