Josh Jacobs Powers Packers to Division Lead
By James Moreau | 14 Dec, 2025

Josh Jacobs is hitting his prime and cementing his status among the NFL’s elite running backs.

Filipino American running back Josh Jacobs is a big reason the Green Bay Packers are leading NFC North.

The Packers took over first place in the division after Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears.  Their offense was proficient through the air and on the ground with Jacobs scoring his 12th rushing touchdown of the season – good for 3rd best in the league and on par for a new career high.

Jacobs has racked up over 1,000 yards of total offense for the Packers this season for a 9-3-1 record in his second season with the team.

He was decorated as a Pro Bowler for the third time last season after a career high 17 touchdowns – including his first in the postseason.

The 27-year-old signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers after spending 5 years with the Raiders.  He is currently in his seventh NFL season.

Jacobs was selected by the Raiders in 2019 as a first-round draft pick while the team was still located in Oakland.  He earned Pro Bowl awards in 2020 and 2022.  In the latter Jacobs also earned First-team All-Pro honors by leading the league with 1,653 rushing yards.

He played at the University of Alabama for three seasons.  He was named MVP of the SEC Championship Game in 2018 and won a national championship with the Crimson Tide the year before.

Flags of the U.S. and the Philippines on the back of his helmet displays Jacobs’ pride in his Filipino heritage.  His late grandmother Lola – who is tattooed on Jacobs’ left hand – is a native of Angeles City.  His father Marty was also born in the Philippines.  Jacobs also has the eight-rayed golden-yellow Filipino sun inked on his left biceps.

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jacobs overcame homelessness as a child to become a 4-star high school prospect.   His struggle was spotlighted in Kia’s 2020 Super Bowl Commercial.  After signing his 4-year $12 million NFL rookie contract Jacobs famously bought his father a house.