GREEN BAY, Wis. — The scent of Hawaiian barbecued chicken wafted through the Packers cafeteria at Lambeau Field, enticing running back Josh Jacobs with its savory aroma. It was a familiar smell, reminiscent of his Grandma Margerita’s lumpia, igniting a flood of memories and emotions in the young player.
Jacobs, now a Green Bay Packer, has lived at 15 different addresses in his 26 years of life. The tumultuous journey to success for the NFL star includes crashing at relatives’ homes when times were tough and even living out of a Chevy Suburban with his father, Marty, during a difficult period in his childhood. Despite these challenges, Jacobs rose above adversity, showcasing his talent on the football field and earning a spot in the NFL.
After a successful college career at Alabama, Jacobs faced setbacks in the NFL when the Raiders declined to exercise his fifth-year option. Feeling slighted by the team’s decision, Jacobs set out to prove himself on the field. In a stellar season, he led the league in rushing yards and earned All-Pro honors. However, contract negotiations with the Raiders proved to be contentious, leading Jacobs to seek a trade and ultimately sign a one-year deal with the team.
The road to success has been anything but easy for Josh Jacobs, but his determination and resilience have propelled him to the top of his game. With the scent of Hawaiian barbecued chicken serving as a reminder of his journey, Jacobs is ready to make his mark in Green Bay and continue his pursuit of greatness in the NFL.