Jacobs: Hands-behind-back move references gospel song

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs says his touchdown celebration was a specific reference to a gospel song, not a nod to his recent legal issues. The move drew criticism on social media after video clips showed him placing his hands behind his back.

Jacobs scored on a one-yard run in the second quarter of the Packers' 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. He briefly held his hands behind his back while teammates congratulated him. Many viewers interpreted the gesture as a simulation of being handcuffed.

The player explained that the choreography was modeled after the song "Break Every Chain." He stated that the idea was developed with receivers Savion Williams and others before his season debut. They planned a different celebration for his first score, which occurred Sunday in a 20-17 loss at Detroit, where he knelt and raised his arms.

Jacobs returned to the field Thursday after being removed from the commissioner's exempt list the previous week. He had been placed on that list following an arrest in May involving an altercation with his then-girlfriend. Charges were filed in August. Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.

"The guys did it with me," Jacobs said. "I didn't think it was going to be a thing that can be perceived a certain type of way. But it's 2026, and it is what it is."

He noted that the television broadcast only captured a fraction of the full routine. "It was more to it than that," he said. "They stopped showing the celebration after that. Like I said, it is what it is."

Jacobs was unable to play or practice while on the exempt list. The NFL's investigation into the incident remains ongoing, but his return to the lineup allows him to contribute to the team's offense.