Josh Jacobs Draws Fan Backlash for Apparent Handcuffs Celebration

WHO:

NBC Sports - Jacobs said he and teammate Savion Williams planned the celebration together.

Pro Football Network - Josh Jacobs is a running back for the Green Bay Packers.

Pro Football Network - A large section of fans criticized Jacobs’ touchdown celebration online.

Heavy NFL - Josh Jacobs is a Green Bay Packers running back.

Heavy NFL - Fans criticized Jacobs’ celebration.

WHAT:

US Magazine - The Packers defeated the Panthers 27-19.

US Magazine - Jacobs is 28 years old.

NBC Sports - Jacobs entered his second game of the season after his paid leave ended.

NBC Sports - Jacobs said the broadcast showed only one second of the celebration and did not show the whole routine.

NBC Sports - Jacobs said the celebration was inspired by the gospel song “Break Every Chain”; he said his previous celebration was intended to thank God.

NBC Sports - Jacobs remains subject to a potential unpaid suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Daily Mail NFL - Jacobs denied that his handcuffs celebration mocked his domestic violence arrest.

Daily Mail NFL - Jacobs said the celebration had religious meaning.

Pro Football Network - Jacobs offered an explanation for the meaning of his controversial celebration.

Pro Football Network - Jacobs performed a touchdown celebration that drew backlash from fans.

Pro Football Network - The article described the celebration as an apparent handcuffs celebration.

Heavy NFL - Jacobs performed a “shameless” handcuff celebration.

Heavy NFL - The article’s headline characterized the celebration as sparking backlash.

WHERE:

US Magazine - Jacobs scored in the second quarter.

Pro Football Network - The celebration followed a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.

WHY:

NBC Sports - Jacobs had been placed on paid leave following a no-contest plea connected to a domestic violence accusation brought by his girlfriend.

NBC Sports - Jacobs said, “The media is gonna run with it. They’re gonna make it something that it wasn’t.”

Pro Football Network - Fans were not convinced by Jacobs’ explanation, with reactions including “Just Stop” and “Very Inappropriate to Do That.”

Heavy NFL - The celebration appeared to reference Jacobs’ arrest in May.

Pro Football Network - Fans objected to the celebration; the article’s headline quoted reactions including “No Shame, No Guilt” and “He’s Disgusting.”

HOW:

Pro Football Network - Jacobs celebrated after scoring a touchdown during Thursday Night Football.

Heavy NFL - Jacobs made a handcuff gesture as his celebration.

Josh Jacobs scored as Green Bay beat Carolina 27 to 19, then faced criticism for handcuff gestures. Jacobs said the celebration referenced a gospel song and was planned with teammate Savion Williams. He denied mocking his arrest, but remains subject to possible unpaid suspension under NFL rules.