Former Raiders running back Josh Jacobs discusses his decision to join the Green Bay Packers, citing the team's stability and his desire to make a legacy in the playoffs.
Transitioning to a new team can often be daunting for athletes, especially those who have established themselves as stars with their previous clubs. However, for former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, his move to the Green Bay Packers has been surprisingly seamless.
Jacobs, who played five seasons with the Raiders before signing a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers in free agency, credits the team's stable environment for his smooth adjustment.
Josh Jacobs Embraces Stability as He Leaves the Past Behind in Green Bay
"I would say one of the main reasons was just the certainty of what I’m gonna get," Jacobs explained. "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."
In contrast, the Packers have provided Jacobs with a sense of stability that he has craved throughout his NFL career. The team has been led by head coach Matt LaFleur since 2019, and their young and hungry squad, led by quarterback Jordan Love, has made strides towards contending for a Super Bowl.
Josh Jacobs Embraces Stability as He Leaves the Past Behind in Green Bay
"Just to be able to come into a place where you’re not trying to pick up the pieces, and you’re not trying to build it out and see what works for us. We know what works, we’re basically just trying to execute the game plan. I think that’s the biggest difference," Jacobs said.
Jacobs' transition to the Packers has also been aided by his familiarity with special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who served as the Raiders' interim head coach in 2021 during Jacobs' tenure.
Josh Jacobs Embraces Stability as He Leaves the Past Behind in Green Bay
"I think he’s a phenomenal coach. I think he’s very straightforward. He’s going to tell you exactly what he wants from you and exactly what he expects out of you. I think he’s a great coach. I’m glad to be working with him," Jacobs said of Bisaccia.
Despite his successful stint with the Raiders, Jacobs is eager to embrace the Packers' culture and make a positive impact on the team.
Josh Jacobs Embraces Stability as He Leaves the Past Behind in Green Bay
"I'm excited to be a part of this team and to be able to contribute in any way that I can. I think I can bring a lot of things to the table. I'm a physical runner, I'm a tough runner, and I'm always trying to find ways to get better," Jacobs said.
While he is still acclimating to the Packers' offense, Jacobs is confident that he can be a valuable asset to the team.
"I think I can add a lot of depth to the running back room. I can be a good pass-catcher out of the backfield, I can block, and I can run the ball," Jacobs said.
With training camp just around the corner, Jacobs is focused on getting up to speed with the Packers' playbook and developing a strong rapport with his new teammates.
"I'm just trying to get better every day and learn as much as I can. I'm excited to get started with the season and to see what we can do as a team," Jacobs said.
As Jacobs embarks on this new chapter in his NFL career, he is determined to leave a lasting legacy on the game.
"Playing in a playoff game, I feel like that’s what you get judged off of, what you get based off of when you talk about legacy and talk about career. I haven’t got the opportunity to be able to do that yet. So, that’s definitely something that’s big for me to do," Jacobs said.
With the Packers' young and talented roster, Jacobs believes he has found the perfect opportunity to achieve his goals and make a significant contribution to the NFL.
