Josh Jacobs, the high-performing running back who recently moved from the Raiders to the Packers, has shared his experiences within the Raiders' organization, revealing a culture that fosters losing and accepting mediocrity. His frustration with the team's consistent failures ultimately led to his departure.
Josh Jacobs has been outspoken about his experience with the Raiders since signing a four-year deal with the Green Bay Packers in March, shedding light on the culture of losing that permeated the Las Vegas franchise during his five years there.
Coming from the prestigious University of Alabama, where he was accustomed to championship victories, Jacobs was shocked by the Raiders' defeatist mindset. "I remember coming to the league and losing my first game, and I was mad and not talking to nobody. A vet came up to me and was like, ‘This is the NFL. You’re going to lose.’ I’m like, ‘So y’all cool with losing?’ It was so different.”
Josh Jacobs' Departure from the Raiders: A Culture of Losing Haunted Las Vegas
Jacobs' desire to win played a crucial role in his decision to leave the Raiders. The team's lone winning season during his tenure, in which interim coach Rich Bisaccia led them to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, was an anomaly amidst a string of disappointing performances.
"That went (into) me leaving," Jacobs stated. "Then, the most frustrating thing about it all, you’ve got me, and Tae (Davante Adams) and Maxx (Crosby). You’ve got guys who come in every day and work hard, and you don’t get the results. … You’ll be close every year, but (we’re) not winning. You want me to come back on a discount and lose? I don’t know how I feel about that."
Josh Jacobs' Departure from the Raiders: A Culture of Losing Haunted Las Vegas
Jacobs' frustration echoed the sentiments of other players who witnessed their efforts consistently fall short of victories. The lack of progress and the acceptance of mediocrity created a demoralizing atmosphere.
In contrast to the Raiders' instability, Jacobs found stability in the Packers' organization, which had Aaron Rodgers as quarterback and Matt LaFleur as head coach. "There’s already a lot of structure, there’s already a lot of stuff in place. Having another new head coach over there [in Las Vegas], my fourth head coach while I was there, I never felt like there was any stability.”
Josh Jacobs' Departure from the Raiders: A Culture of Losing Haunted Las Vegas
As the Packers prepare for training camp and their season opener in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacobs hopes to leave the Raiders' losing culture behind him and contribute to Green Bay's success. The Packers' longstanding tradition of excellence and commitment to winning provides him with a refreshing change from his experiences in Las Vegas.
