Jacobs Says Touchdown Celebration Honored Gospel Song

Josh Jacobs said his brief hands-behind-the-back gesture after scoring for the Green Bay Packers against the Carolina Panthers on October 29 was part of a planned celebration inspired by the gospel song “Break Every Chain.” Some viewers thought the gesture looked like he was pretending to be handcuffed, prompting criticism online.

Jacobs reached the end zone with a one-yard carry during the second quarter of Green Bay’s 27-19 win. He said teammates joined in the celebration and that the broadcast showed only a small part of it. The plan, he explained, was to use the song-inspired gesture for his second touchdown celebration of the season.

Before returning to play, Jacobs and teammate Savion Williams had also discussed a first-touchdown celebration thanking God. Jacobs performed that one after scoring in a 20-17 loss to Detroit on Sunday.

The game against Carolina was Jacobs’ second appearance this season. He had been placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list after charges were filed in August over a May altercation with his then-girlfriend, who alleged Jacobs knocked her down. In September, Jacobs entered no-contest pleas to misdemeanor battery and criminal-damage charges.

The league removed Jacobs from the exempt list last week, allowing him to resume playing and practicing. The NFL’s investigation remains ongoing.