Josh Jacobs Explains Touchdown Celebration as Homage to Gospel Song

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has stated that his recent touchdown celebration was not a reference to his offseason arrest but was instead inspired by the gospel song "Break Every Chain."

Following his first touchdown in the Packers' 27-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, Jacobs placed his hands behind his back. This gesture sparked speculation on social media that it was related to his legal troubles.

Jacobs had been on the commissioner's exempt list since August following a May incident. He pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. He was removed from the exempt list last week, allowing him to return to play while the NFL's investigation into the matter continues.

After the game, Jacobs addressed the speculation, explaining the intended meaning of his celebration. "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," Jacobs told reporters.

He noted that the celebration was cut short by the broadcast. "The media going to run with it. They going to make it that it wouldn't. But it is what it is."

Last week, after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions, Jacobs knelt and raised his arms. "Break Every Chain" was written by Will Reagan and popularized by a 2013 recording by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

In his two games since returning to the Packers, Jacobs has accumulated 75 rushing yards on 32 carries, with one touchdown. He has also caught 11 passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns.