Packers RB Josh Jacobs explains 'Break Every Chain' touchdown celebration
The running back told reporters that his hands-behind-the-back pose was a planned tribute to gospel music, not a reference to his recent arrest.
By Sakura Novak ·
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs defended his touchdown celebration against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. He stated that the move was a tribute to a gospel song and not a nod to his recent arrest. Jacobs put his hands behind his back for a brief moment after scoring a one-yard run in the second quarter. The gesture drew immediate attention on social media, with many viewers interpreting the pose as a simulation of being handcuffed.
Jacobs told reporters that the celebration was modeled after the song “Break Every Chain.” He said that he and his teammates, including wide receiver Savion Williams, had planned the sequence before his return to the field. The group intended to perform a specific move after his second touchdown of the season to thank God. Jacobs noted that the television broadcast only captured a small part of the full routine.
This was Jacobs’ second game of the season. He was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list following an arrest in August. The charges stemmed from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. She alleged that Jacobs threw her to the ground during the incident. Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal destruction of property last month.
Before his return, Jacobs could not play or practice while on the exempt list. The NFL removed him from that list last week, allowing him to take the field even though the league’s investigation is still ongoing. Jacobs made his season debut on Sunday in a 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. He scored a touchdown and performed a different celebration by kneeling and raising his arms.
Jacobs acknowledged the criticism surrounding his latest celebration. He said he did not expect the gesture to be perceived in a specific way. “The guys did it with me,” Jacobs said. “I didn’t think it was going to be a thing that can be perceived a certain type of way. But it’s 2026, and it is what it is.”
The Packers defeated the Panthers 27-19 in their Thursday night matchup. Jacobs’ one-yard run in the second quarter contributed to the offensive drive. The team will continue its schedule with the next contest following this week’s games. The NFL’s review of Jacobs’ case remains active as he returns to regular-season play.
