Josh Jacobs has lofty aspirations with Packers: 'I have a real goal of legacy'

Everything just seemed to point to the Packers for running back Josh Jacobs this offseason.

As the free-agent running back evaluated the NFL scenario and weighed his options, Green Bay increasingly appeared to be a sensible choice for his destination.

Jacobs has only strengthened his belief that he made the right decision, since signing his four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers.

“I honestly think the sky is the limit in this offense,” Jacobs told NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero on Tuesday’s The Insiders. “Obviously, with having a special guy in Jordan Love, you know, and having a good offensive line and some good receivers out there makes it a lot easier for me, but just to be able to see the game plan and things that they want me to do this year, the things that they’re allowing me to do, I just think it’s going to be a special year.”

Matt La Fleur, the head coach of the Packers, is known for his multi-back approach in Green Bay. However, he has expressed that he sees Jacobs as a high-volume back. The last time a back coached by LaFleur exceeded the 300-touch mark was in 2017 when he served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. This could be a possibility for Jacobs in the upcoming season.

LaFleur enjoys designing pass plays for his running backs, according to Jacobs. He reveals that the Packers have him “running real routes,” which could be interpreted as subtle criticism of his role with the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, he hints at expecting significant third-down responsibilities in Green Bay.

Jacobs expressed, “Having the opportunity to demonstrate that I can catch the ball more is important to me. It’s not just about that, but also about the trust placed in me to handle protections. Having someone like Jordan Love alongside you is special. It prevents the defense from just loading the box every play, forcing them to choose what they want to halt. I believe this will be my greatest advantage this year.”

Jacobs could greatly benefit from Love’s assistance, especially after struggling with mediocre QB performance at times with the Raiders. Love had a slow start last season but ended on a high note, guiding the Packers to an unanticipated playoff win.

From what Jacobs has observed so far, Love seems to have all the necessary qualities to consistently succeed.

Jacobs expressed his belief that the individual possesses all the qualities and resources necessary to become a superstar in the league based on his observations. He is confident that with continuous play, gained experience, and increased self-assurance in his capabilities, this individual is undoubtedly on the path to becoming the league’s next superstar.

Jacobs also views Green Bay as a significant part of his future. His contract does not guarantee his stay for the entire four years of the agreement. Still, Jacobs expressed his wish that it’s a place he can establish his roots and begin to build his NFL legacy.

He candidly stated, “With age and playing for a longer duration, I am truly aiming for a legacy. I believe it’s significant – the desire to participate in crucial games, compete in the playoffs, make a profound run and hopefully, play in the ultimate game if we reach there. That’s a major factor for me. I believe, above all, that’s the most vital thing.”

Jacobs, at a venerable 26 years old, also can’t help but notice that he’s one of the Packers’ elder statesmen on offense. With veterans David Bakhtiari and Aaron Jones gone this offseason, 28-year-old Elgton Jenkins is the only projected Packers starter on offense that’s older than Jacobs. Nearly all the Packers’ skill-position players are in their first, second or third NFL seasons entering 2024.

“He stated, “I happen to be among the senior members of the team, a fact I don’t take lightly. I am aware that I have the opportunity to mentor these budding receivers, who are on the verge of turning into key players in this league and potentially becoming household names. My role is to guide them, imparting the subtleties of what I do and what I see, helping them raise their game to the next level. I believe that’s partially why they recruited me.”

Jacobs confessed that he continues to support the Raiders unless they are playing against his team. “Obviously not when we play them,” he stated. It should be noted that a match between the Raiders and Packers is not on the calendar for 2024.

He’s also very close with one of his former teammates whom Packers fans know well, Davante Adams.

When Jacobs inked a deal with the Packers, he shot Adams a text containing an eyeball emoji, inquiring whether he intended to join Jacobs in returning to Green Bay. Given the speculative trade chatter surrounding Adams, the question could certainly have been interpreted as loaded, although Jacobs maintains it was just playful banter between friends.

“You need to comprehend the bond that Davante and I share,” explained Jacobs. “We frequently jest with each other and discuss various matters. Essentially, when I sent him the eyeball emojis, it was to highlight the peculiarities of life. He was leaving his previous team for the Raiders, and coincidentally, I was also heading there. That was the essence of our conversation.”

Jacobs stated that he is currently adapting to the significantly different pace of life in Green Bay compared to Vegas. He noted that this change has shifted more of his focus onto football, which he thinks is perfect for his new situation.

“He described the tranquility, saying, “It’s so peaceful and quiet.” His thoughts about Green Bay always revolve around football; the focus and dedication it requires, the need to perfect his skills. His hope is that his efforts this year and throughout the offseason will yield fruitful results.”