Ahead of his second-ever Packers Family Night, Green Bay’s star running back is reflecting on his first year in Titletown.
Seventh year back Josh Jacobs turned heads in his first season in the green and gold, running for more than 1,300 yards, scoring a career high 16 total touchdowns, and securing his third career Pro Bowl nod.
Jacobs came to Green Bay by way of the Las Vegas Raiders, where he spent the first five years of his career.
Jacobs spoke to SeehaferNews.com on his takeaway since making the jump.
“My biggest takeaway is I think that where I’m at as a player is definitely different,” he explained. “Just to be able to come in healthy, feeling good, and to be able to lead a group of young guys.”
The transition itself could be seen as jarring to some, as there are few environmental changes in pro football, let alone pro sports, as drastic as moving from Sin City to Green Bay.
He noted that Vegas is ripe with distractions for players, especially those early in their NFL careers.
While being able to distance himself from those distractions during his tenure with the Raiders, Jacobs feels that the culture in Green Bay can allow him, and others, to take their game to the next level.
Explaining what it’s like to play in Green Bay, he said, “There’s not a lot to do. So, it’s a perfect situation for a player because it allows you to just focus on the main thing, which is football. I think that’s why a lot of guys come here and their career gets better because they just lock in.”
A player in a similar spot to Jacobs last year is new Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs, who is a former Raiders teammate.
Hobbs reiterated his longtime teammate’s feelings on why so many players find it so easy to feel focused and at home in Green Bay.
“We haven’t had much time to do anything but ball, but when you’re in an environment like this, it makes it easy to focus on ball,” said the fourth-year corner.
Jacobs mentioned his excitement to lead a group of young guys, which now includes helping Hobbs make the same adjustment he did just one year before.
Regarding how big of a help the Pro Bowl running back has been in his move, Hobbs had nothing but praise for Jacobs.
With appreciation, Hobbs stated, “Josh is my brother for real, man, no matter what. We are kind of alike in our approach, if you know what I’m saying? That’s my dog, we connect on a different level.”
Both Jacobs and Hobbs look to hit Lambeau Field for the first time this season during the beloved Packers Family Night this evening.
However, how involved either will be tonight is uncertain, as both are seen as locks to start when the NFL season officially kicks off in Green Bay with a week one matchup with the division rival Detroit Lions on September 7th.
