Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has faced sharp criticism over the touchdown celebration he performed during Thursday Night Football.
The score came during only his second game of the season, following his activation from the Commissioner’s Exempt List last week. Jacobs, 28, had missed the Packers’ opening six contests while the NFL reviewed allegations of domestic abuse.
Despite the lengthy absence, Jacobs has looked fully comfortable on the field. He found the end zone again against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Lambeau Field, giving Green Bay a 13-10 advantage in the Week 8 matchup.
His performance, however, was overshadowed by the celebration that followed.
As teammates surrounded him, Jacobs appeared to imitate being handcuffed by placing his hands behind his back. The gesture was widely interpreted as a reference to his arrest in connection with the domestic violence allegations.
The decision sparked outrage among football fans on social media, with many calling the touchdown celebration inappropriate and deeply insensitive.
Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs appeared to perform a handcuff celebration on Thursday
The running back rushed for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers
‘No way Josh Jacobs just did a handcuff celebration after being arrested for domestic violence,’ one account posted on X. ‘This dude has zero shame.’
Another wrote: ‘Bro turned his domestic violence into a touchdown dance. Impressive in the worst way.’
‘Josh Jacobs got arrested for Domestic Violence. His first TD celebration back is handcuffs… Very classy,’ a third said in an apparent sarcastic tone.
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‘Josh really has no shame or remorse,’ added a fourth, while another chimed in that it was ‘not a good look.’
‘Some things shouldn’t be made light of, especially when real-life issues are involved. Not every celebration is worth the message it sends,’ shared another.
Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property following a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. He was ultimately charged in August.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection was specifically accused of grabbing the woman and throwing her to the floor of his garage, causing her to hit her head. Police said surveillance footage from the camera system in the garage backed up the woman’s accusations of battery and the destruction of her phone.
Jacobs was ordered last month to attend counseling and pay restitution to the victim.
Jacobs already pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property following 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 Our News Outlet, 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.’
