Jacobs Says TD Gesture Referenced Gospel Song

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said the end-zone gesture he made after scoring Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers drew from a gospel song rather than his legal case. The Packers won 27-19 at Lambeau Field. Broadcast footage showed Jacobs clasping his hands behind his back after his first touchdown, and the clip circulated widely online because Jacobs had faced misdemeanor charges earlier this year.

Jacobs said he and receiver Savion Williams mapped out two celebrations for his return. The first, used last week, was a thank-you to God. The second was tied to "Break Every Chain," a gospel song. "They didn't even get the whole celebration," Jacobs said. "It was f, ing one second that they just showed me." He said several teammates made the same gesture during the celebration and added, "I didn't think it was going to be a thing that can be perceived a certain type of way."

The arrest that drew the online comparisons followed an incident involving a woman at his Green Bay area home. Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and destruction of property charges in September, was convicted on the battery count, and received a deferred judgment agreement on the destruction of property count. The NFL removed him from the commissioner exempt list in Week 7, but its personal conduct policy investigation remains open.

Jacobs returned from the exempt list last week and played at Lambeau Field for the first time this season against Carolina. He carried 21 times for 39 yards, a 1.9-yard average, against a Carolina defense that entered the game allowing the most rushing yards per game in the league. His rushing touchdown came from 1 yard out. He caught six passes for 13 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

"I think it was good for the team," Jacobs said of the fan reception. "It was good to be out there, Thursday night, electric, stadium packed." He added that the offense had its lull moments while the defense held the game down. The league has not closed its investigation into possible violations of the personal conduct policy.