Josh Jacobs says touchdown celebration referenced gospel song, not arrest

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has said his touchdown celebration against the Carolina Panthers was a reference to a gospel song, rejecting suggestions that he was making light of his recent arrest. According to The Guardian, Jacobs explained that the gesture was inspired by Break Every Chain after television viewers interpreted it as an imitation of being handcuffed.

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The moment came after Jacobs scored on a one-yard run in the second quarter of Green Bay's 27-19 victory on Thursday night. He briefly placed his hands behind his back while teammates congratulated him, and footage attracted attention on social media. Jacobs said the broadcast showed only part of the celebration, rather than the full sequence he had intended.

Jacobs said the idea had been discussed with teammate Savion Williams and other receivers before his first appearance of the season. They planned for him to mark his first touchdown with a gesture thanking God. He did so on Sunday in the Packers' 20-17 defeat at Detroit, dropping to his knees and lifting his arms after scoring.

The Break Every Chain celebration was intended for his second touchdown of the season, Jacobs said. He also said teammates joined him in the gesture and that he had not expected it to be interpreted in the way it was. His account links the two celebrations to a plan made before his return, rather than an improvised response during the Carolina game.

Thursday's appearance was Jacobs's second game since leaving the commissioner's exempt list. He had been placed on it after charges were filed in August following an altercation with his then-girlfriend in May. She alleged that he threw her to the ground. The Guardian reported that Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges.

Jacobs was unable to play or practice while on the exempt list. His removal last week allowed him to return to competition, but the NFL's investigation remains ongoing, according to the report. His availability for Green Bay therefore does not mean the league has concluded its review.