Packers running back explains hands-behind-back celebration as gospel reference

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs stated that his recent touchdown celebration was a tribute to a gospel song, not a reference to his recent legal issues. Jacobs made the comments after his second game of the season, which took place Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.

The controversy centers on a moment in the second quarter where Jacobs scored on a one-yard run. While accepting congratulations from teammates, he briefly placed his hands behind his back. The clip circulated widely on social media, with many viewers interpreting the gesture as a simulation of being handcuffed.

Jacobs told reporters that the move was based on the gospel song 'Break Every Chain.' He noted that the idea was developed with receiver Savion Williams and other teammates before his return to the field. '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 gesture occurred during Green Bay's 27-19 victory over the Panthers. Jacobs returned to action last week after the NFL commissioner removed him from the exempt list. He had been placed on that list in August after charges were filed regarding an altercation with his then-girlfriend in May. During that incident, the woman alleged that Jacobs threw her to the ground.

Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property last month. He was unable to practice or play while on the exempt list. The NFL investigation into the matter is still ongoing, but his removal from the list allowed him to rejoin the roster.

Jacobs had previously used a different celebration for his first touchdown of the season. In a 20-17 loss at Detroit on Sunday, he dropped to his knees and raised his arms after scoring. That initial move was also a planned tribute to thank God for his return. For his second touchdown, the team executed the 'Break Every Chain' sequence as originally intended.

When asked about the specific hand placement, Jacobs pointed out that the television broadcast only captured a short segment of the full routine. 'It was more to it than that,' he said. 'They stopped showing the celebration after that. Like I said, it is what it is.'