Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs appeared in court on Thursday and entered a no contest plea to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. The plea resolves charges stemming from a May altercation with his girlfriend.
Jacobs was ordered by the court to avoid contacting the victim, attend counseling, and pay restitution. His attorney stated that Jacobs has already voluntarily begun counseling. He was also fined $1,000 for the battery charge. "I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility," Jacobs said in a brief statement.
The court appearance was moved forward from November to Thursday at Jacobs' request, an action his attorney suggested was intended to resolve the case sooner.
The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list on August 30, the same day Brown County District Attorney David Lasee announced the charges. This designation prevents Jacobs from playing or practicing but allows him to receive his paycheck. Players on the exempt list may be permitted at team facilities for non-football activities, such as meetings and therapy, with the club's permission and league approval.
The league has also launched its own investigation. Thursday's plea allows the NFL to move forward with potential disciplinary action, which could include a suspension. Any games missed while on the exempt list would count toward a suspension, though he would have to repay any earnings during that period.
Jacobs' legal proceedings come just three days before the Packers are scheduled to open their 2026 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings.
Police were called to Jacobs' home on May 26 to investigate a disturbance. According to police reports, Jacobs' girlfriend stated she sustained a lump on her head following an altercation. She told officers she had been looking through Jacobs' phone and saw messages with other women, prompting her to throw the phone. She claimed Jacobs then grabbed her arm during a struggle for her phone. Later, as she attempted to exit a garage, she alleged Jacobs grabbed her and threw her to the ground, causing her to hit her head. She also stated Jacobs took her phone while she was on the ground. Surveillance footage from the garage reportedly corroborated her account.
Jacobs is entering his first season with the Packers after joining the team in 2024. He is coming off the 2025 season where he rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Packers' other running backs had limited rushing yards in 2025, with Kaleb Johnson, acquired via trade on Sunday, posting 106 yards. The team's running back room also includes 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks, with Pierre Strong Jr. on the practice squad.