Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs recently clarified that his celebratory gesture—putting his hands behind his back after scoring a touchdown—was a tribute to a gospel song rather than a nod to his recent arrest.
This game marked Jacobs’ return for the season after he had been on the commissioner’s exempt list.
He was placed on that list following charges related to a May incident involving his then-girlfriend, who alleged that he had thrown her to the ground.
Last month, Jacobs entered a no contest plea to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
During a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of the Packers’ 27-19 win against the Carolina Panthers, Jacobs briefly put his hands behind his back while receiving congratulations from teammates.
This moment caught the attention of many on social media, with some viewers interpreting it as a gesture mimicking being handcuffed.
Jacobs, however, asserted that the gesture was inspired by the gospel tune “Break Every Chain.”
“The guys did it with me,” he explained. “I didn’t think it would be viewed in a specific way. But hey, it’s 2026, so what can you do?”
Before making his season debut, Jacobs had discussed his celebration plans with Savion Williams and other receivers. They had agreed he would express gratitude through a celebration after scoring his first touchdown this season.
This prior celebration occurred on Sunday when Jacobs knelt and raised his arms following a touchdown in a 20-17 loss against Detroit.
They also intended for the “Break Every Chain” celebration to follow his second touchdown. Jacobs pointed out that the broadcast only captured a short snippet of the celebration.
“There was more to it than that,” he noted. “They stopped showing it after that. Like I said, it is what it is.”
During his time on the commissioner’s exempt list, Jacobs couldn’t play or practice. He was reinstated just last week but with the NFL’s investigation still active.
