Joshua Cordell Jacobs Bio
Joshua Cordell Jacobs (born February 11, 1998) is an American professional football running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft. Jacobs rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, while being named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2019 and to his first Pro Bowl in 2020. In 2022, he led the league in rushing yards with 1,653 and became the first Raider since 1985 to surpass 2,000 scrimmage yards. After five years with the Raiders, Jacobs signed with the Packers in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Cordell Jacobs was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended McLain High School, where he had an impressive football career, accumulating 5,372 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. Jacobs faced significant challenges during his youth, including experiencing homelessness in middle school. This adversity shaped his character and determination to succeed in football. After high school, he committed to play college football at the University of Alabama, where he further honed his skills as a running back.
Path to American Football
Jacobs began his college career at Alabama in 2016, where he played alongside notable teammates such as Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough. His freshman year saw him rushing for 567 yards and four touchdowns. Despite battling injuries, including a broken ankle during his sophomore season, Jacobs showcased his talent and resilience. By his junior year, he was named the MVP of the 2018 SEC Championship Game, solidifying his reputation as a top prospect for the NFL.
Joshua Cordell Jacobs Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Jacobs was selected by the Oakland Raiders as the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft. He made an immediate impact in his debut, rushing for 85 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. Over his rookie season, he set a franchise record for rushing yards by a rookie, finishing with 1,150 yards and earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. In 2020, Jacobs continued to excel, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive year and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
Breakthrough (2021–2022)
In 2021, Jacobs faced challenges but still managed to contribute significantly to the Raiders’ offense. He finished the season with 872 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. His breakout year came in 2022 when he led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,653, earning him the title of NFL rushing yards leader. He also received recognition as a first-team All-Pro and was selected for the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jacobs’s signature work includes his remarkable performance in the 2022 season, where he became the first player in Raiders history to surpass 2,000 scrimmage yards since Marcus Allen in 1985. His achievements have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Jim Brown Award in 2023.
Joshua Cordell Jacobs Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joshua Cordell Jacobs has received several nominations for prestigious awards, highlighting his impact in the NFL and his contributions to the game.
Joshua Cordell Jacobs Awards Won
Jacobs has won notable awards, including the Jim Brown Award in 2023, recognizing him as one of the top running backs in the league. He has also been named to the Pro Bowl three times and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
Joshua Cordell Jacobs Family
Joshua Jacobs has a younger brother, Isaiah Jacobs, who is also pursuing a career in football as a running back for the UAB Blazers. Jacobs is of Filipino descent through his paternal grandmother, which he proudly represents on the field.
Personal Life
Jacobs is a Christian and has openly shared his faith. He has a portrait of his grandmother tattooed on his left hand and plays with a Philippine-flag sticker on his helmet. His journey from adversity to success serves as an inspiration to many young athletes.
