A few seconds of a touchdown celebration became one of the biggest talking points of the night. The player at the center of it says people got the wrong idea.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said his viral celebration during a 27 to 19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, was a tribute to the gospel song “Break Every Chain.”
What did Josh Jacobs do in the celebration?
After his first touchdown, broadcast cameras showed Josh Jacobs in the end zone with his hands behind his back. The clip spread quickly online, with many viewers connecting it to his arrest earlier this year.
Jacobs was charged with misdemeanor battery and destruction of property after an incident involving a woman at his home in the Green Bay area. He pleaded no contest in September and was convicted of battery, with a deferred judgment agreement on the property charge. A deferred judgment typically means a charge can be dismissed if the defendant meets certain conditions.
How did Josh Jacobs explain it?
Jacobs said he and receiver Savion Williams planned two celebrations for his return. The first, which he did last week, was to thank God. The second was meant to honor “Break Every Chain,” a popular worship song.
He said several teammates made the same gesture and that the broadcast showed only about a second of the full celebration. Using profanity, he complained that the clip left out most of what happened.
Jacobs said he did not expect the moment to be perceived that way and acknowledged that the media would run with it. He said it was simply a coincidence.
The song is often sung in churches and centers on themes of freedom and breaking free from spiritual bondage.
Where does Josh Jacobs’ case stand with the NFL?
Jacobs spent the first six games of the season on the commissioner exempt list, which allows the league to keep a player away from games while legal matters are reviewed. The NFL removed him from the list in Week 7. Jacobs made his season debut last Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
The league has not finished its investigation into whether Josh Jacobs violated its personal conduct policy, which could still lead to discipline.
Jacobs previously apologized for putting the Packers in a difficult situation. The NFL’s personal conduct policy covers behavior away from the field, including domestic violence cases.
How did Jacobs play against Carolina?
Josh Jacobs scored twice but struggled to run against the league’s worst run defense. He gained just 39 yards on 21 carries, an average of under 2 yards per carry.
His first touchdown came on a run from 1 yard out. He also caught six passes for 13 yards, including a touchdown from 4 yards out in the third quarter.
It was his first game this season at Lambeau Field, and he said the fan reception was positive and the stadium felt electric. He credited the defense for holding up while the offense went through quiet stretches. Jacobs has been one of the league’s most productive running backs since joining Green Bay.
What is next for the Packers?
Green Bay improved to five wins and three losses. Receiver Christian Watson returned to the game with a broken rib after a trip to the hospital, according to reports.
The Packers play the New England Patriots on Nov. 8, and edge rusher Micah Parsons could return to practice next week. Green Bay is trying to stay in the race in a crowded division.
For Josh Jacobs, the focus remains on football as the league’s review of his case continues.
