Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Before the 2024 NFL season began, the Green Bay Packers made two major free agent signings. Running back Josh Jacobs was signed to a four-year $48 million contract and safety Xavier McKinney got a four-year $68 million deal. Both have turned out to be worth every single penny.
McKinney currently is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions to go with 75 tackles and nine passes defended. Opposing quarterbacks have a 72.5% completion percentage when targeting him, but only a 79.0 passer rating.
On the other side of the ball, Jacobs is third in the NFL with 1,147 rushing yards and tied for third among running backs with 12 rushing touchdowns. Many times this season, the Packers offense has had to rely on Jacobs to carry the team with quarterback Jordan Love playing hurt. As one can tell from the team’s 10-4 record, that strategy has worked out quite well.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love Has High Praise for Running Back Josh Jacobs
Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson
Love was one of the recent guests on the “Rich Eisen Show,” and spent some time during his interview praising Jacobs and the impact that he has had on the team.
“Josh is a phenomenal player, but I just think his mindset [is so valuable to the team]. He’s definitely one of those top dogs and one of the best running backs in the league.
“But just the way he runs the ball. He’s a guy who wants the ball in his hands every play. He just has that mindset that he’s not going to let anyone bring him down. He’s trying to run guys over, make guys miss, and I really think he can do it all.
“He’s a great catcher too out of the backfield. And just his ability to break those tackles, make guys miss, and get those extra yards. [He’s] somebody that we can just lean on to hand the ball of 30 times a game and he’s just going to be good after the game.”
Green Bay Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Responds to High Praise from Jordan Love
Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) breaks a tackle attempt by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig
In response to the Rich Eisen post that contained the video of Love praising him, Jacobs quoted the post with the simple phrase, “That’s my quarterback.”
When Jacobs first signed his contract with the Packers, it was reported that only one year, the first year, and $12 million of it was guaranteed.
Based on how well he has played this season, the impact he has had on the community since arriving in Green Bay, and comments from his teammates like the ones Love made to Rich Eisen, it is easy to see that he will be wearing a Packers uniform longer than just one year.