Josh Jacobs is one of the most inspiring players in the NFL today. His story feels special because it is real, simple, and full of heart. Many people see him as a strong running back, but very few know what he went through before he became famous. His life was not easy at all, and that is what makes his journey so powerful.
In this article, we will look at how Josh Jacobs grew up, how he faced many hard days, and how he slowly moved toward his dream. We will talk about his early life, his struggles, his love for football, and the long road that led him to the NFL. So let’s get started.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Cordell Jacobs |
| Born | February 11, 1998 |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA |
| Position | NFL Running Back |
| Current Team | Green Bay Packers |
| College | Alabama Crimson Tide |
| NFL Draft | 2019, Round 1, Pick 24 (Raiders) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in |
| Net Worth | Around $10 million |
| Known For | 2022 NFL Rushing Leader, inspiring rise from homelessness |
| Heritage | Filipino roots through grandmother |
| Family | Father: Marty Jacobs, Brother: Isaiah Jacobs |
| Famous Moment | Kia Super Bowl LIV commercial about his homeless past |
| Notable Awards | Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Jim Brown Award |
Who Is Josh Jacobs?
Josh Jacobs is an American football player who was born on February 11, 1998. He plays as a running back and is known for his fast legs, strong moves, and calm mind on the field. Many fans love him because he always gives his best and never forgets where he came from.
Josh Jacobs first became famous when the Oakland Raiders picked him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. That moment changed his life. He later became the NFL rushing leader in 2022 and proved that he is one of the best players in the league. Today, he plays for the Green Bay Packers, and he continues to shine with big runs and big plays.
Josh Jacobs is also proud of his Filipino roots. He has tattoos that honor his grandmother and even places the Philippines flag on his football helmet. His younger brother, Isaiah Jacobs, also plays football, which shows how strong sports run in their family.
Josh Jacobs Early Life
Josh Jacobs was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the third child out of five children. His parents’ marriage was unstable, and when he was eight years old, they got divorced. This turned his life upside down. Even though Josh wanted to live with his father, he had to wait for the courts to decide where he and his siblings would go.
Later, Josh’s father, Marty Jacobs, won full custody of all five children. This was a big responsibility for one parent, and life became very hard for the family. They did not have much money, and Marty tried his best to give his kids safety, care, and love. Even when times were difficult, Josh felt close to his father and trusted him deeply.
As a young boy, Josh did not always understand how serious their problems were. Many nights, he would fall asleep in the car without knowing that the car was their home. He just felt safe because his father was beside him. As he grew older, he slowly saw the truth and realized how much Marty was sacrificing for them.
Josh Jacobs Hard Times
Life became even harder when the family started living in cars and cheap hotel rooms. Marty drove around at night looking for safe places to park the car so his kids could sleep. Sometimes he would not sleep at all. He stayed awake to protect them. Josh later said that he did not know they were homeless at the time. He only understood it when he got older.
These moments were painful but also shaped Josh into a strong person. He saw how his father never gave up, even when life was unfair. Marty encouraged his kids to write poems, rap lyrics, and express their feelings. He wanted them to stay hopeful, even when they had nothing.
Josh also learned about money the hard way. Sometimes he could not afford simple things that other kids had. He felt it, but he never complained. These tough years stayed in his heart and later became a source of strength for him. Josh shared this part of his life in a powerful Kia commercial during Super Bowl LIV, showing millions of people where he came from.
During these hard days, football became Josh Jacobs’s safe place. It gave him joy, strength, and a way to forget the problems around him. When he played, he felt free. He felt like he had control over something, even when life felt very heavy outside the field.
Josh went to McLain High School in Tulsa. At first, not many people knew about him, but he played with passion and great energy. He ran fast, broke tackles, and showed amazing skill. Soon, his numbers became huge. He finished high school with more than 5,300 rushing yards and over 50 touchdowns. These numbers were amazing for a high school player, but colleges still did not notice him.
Josh started to feel worried. He wondered why he was being ignored. He saw other players getting offers while he had none. Then something simple changed his life — a football fan watched one of his video clips and told him to post his highlights on Twitter. Josh did it. In less than a week, many college coaches started calling him.
This moment opened a new door for Josh Jacobs. He chose to play for the University of Alabama, one of the biggest names in college football. He wanted to play on a big stage. He wanted to prove that he belonged there.
Where Is Josh Jacobs Today
Today, Josh Jacobs is a star running back for the Green Bay Packers. He joined the team in 2024 after signing a four-year, $48 million contract. This was a huge step in his career and showed how much he had grown since his early days with the Raiders. He quickly became a strong part of the Packers’ offense, showing his skill in many games.
In the 2024 season alone, Josh Jacobs rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 15 rushing touchdowns. He also added many receiving yards and played with confidence all year. He earned a spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, which shows how respected he is in the league. His story continues to grow, and he is seen as a leader on and off the field.
Josh Jacobs became one of the best running backs in football, and his hard work keeps showing in every game he plays. From long touchdowns to powerful runs, he continues to prove why he is one of the most important players in the NFL today.
Josh Jacobs Net Worth
Josh Jacobs has come a very long way from the days when he slept in a car. Today, he is a successful NFL player with a strong net worth. His estimated net worth is around $10 million, and it continues to grow each year. This money did not come overnight. It came from hard work, big games, and smart decisions in his career.
When Josh Jacobs first entered the NFL in 2019, he signed a rookie contract worth $12 million. This deal also included a signing bonus of $6.7 million. It was the first time in his life that he held such a large amount of money. Later, as he became one of the best running backs in the league, his income increased even more. By 2024, he earned a base salary of $7.5 million, along with a $2.5 million bonus and extra game bonuses. He even earned an active bonus of $1.7 million for each game he played, plus more money from performance rewards.
Josh Jacobs also used his money in smart and meaningful ways. One of the first things he did was buy a beautiful home in Las Vegas for his father and family. This home was a gift to thank his dad for all the sacrifices he made during their hardest days. Over time, Josh also bought several other properties across the country. Today, he enjoys a good lifestyle, but he still stays humble because he knows where he came from.
Josh Jacobs also loves cars. He owns a growing collection of luxury vehicles. One car he is often seen driving is a Carroll Shelby, which is known for its power and classic look. These cars show his love for speed and style, but they also show how far he has come in life. From a boy with nothing to a man who can enjoy the things he once only dreamed about — it is a true sign of his journey.
Final Thoughts
The story of Josh Jacobs is not just a sports story. It is a story about hope, strength, and never giving up. He began life with almost nothing. He slept in cars. He moved from hotel to hotel. He watched his father struggle just to keep the family safe. But even during these painful moments, Josh held on to one thing — belief.
Josh Jacobs worked hard, stayed patient, and trusted the process. Football became his path to a better life. Step by step, he grew from a quiet high school player to a college star, and then to one of the best running backs in the NFL. Today, he plays for the Green Bay Packers, and his name is known by millions of fans around the world.
His journey teaches us something very simple but very strong: your past does not decide your future. Josh Jacobs had every reason to quit, but he did not. He kept going. He kept believing. And that is why his life changed in such a big way. His story is a reminder that with hard work, love, and hope, any dream can become real.
Josh Jacobs is not just a football player. He is a symbol of strength, family, and courage. And his journey is far from over. He continues to grow, continues to inspire, and continues to show the world what is possible when you never give up.
(FAQs)
What team does Josh Jacobs play for now?
As of 2025, Josh Jacobs plays for the Green Bay Packers, where he continues to shine as their main running back.
What made Josh Jacobs famous?
He became famous for his strong performances with the Raiders, his 2022 rushing title, and his emotional story of growing up homeless.
Was Josh Jacobs really homeless?
Yes. Josh Jacobs lived in cars and motels during his childhood. He later shared this story in a Kia commercial during Super Bowl LIV.
What college did Josh Jacobs attend?
He played college football at the University of Alabama, one of the top football programs in the U.S.
What is Josh Jacobs’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, with income from NFL contracts, bonuses, and other deals.
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