Packers star Josh Jacobs says his controversial touchdown celebration referenced a gospel song, not his arrest

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said that his touchdown celebration was not intended to make light of his offseason arrest but was instead inspired by a gospel song.

After scoring his first touchdown of the game in the team’s 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, Jacobs put his hands behind his back in celebration. Thursday’s game was Jacobs’ second since coming off the commissioner’s exempt list, which he had been on since August following a May altercation with his then-girlfriend, who said he threw her to the ground.

Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. He insisted the celebration had nothing to do with his arrest as speculation spread on social media that the gesture referenced his off-field issues.

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“They didn’t even get the whole celebration. Um, s—, it was f—— one second that (the broadcast) just showed me,” Jacobs told reporters after the game.

“But anyways, me and (wide receiver Savion Williams) came up with a celebration. They would have seen the whole celebration. Basically, last week we said the first celebration when I scored, I was going to thank God. That’s what I did last week. The second was going to be break every chain. It’s a gospel song. That was going to be the next celebration. It’s just a correlation, but like I said, the media going to run with it. They going to make it that it wouldn’t. But it is what it is.”

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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs celebrates after a touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

After Jacobs scored his first touchdown last weekend in the team’s loss to the Detroit Lions, he dropped to his knees and raised his arms. “Break Every Chain” is a gospel song written by Will Reagan in 2009 and popularized by a live recording by Tasha Cobbs Leonard in 2013.

Jacobs had not been allowed to play or practice while on the commissioner’s exempt list. He was removed from the list last week, allowing him to play again even though the NFL’s investigation into his conduct remains ongoing.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs rushes for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers in Green Bay, Wis., on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

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In his two games since returning to the 5-3 Packers, Jacobs has rushed 32 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry. The three-time Pro Bowler has been more productive as a receiver, catching 11 passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.