Josh Jacobs sparks outrage with ‘rude’ celebration after first rushing TD since arrest

Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs has sparked fan fury after claims he faked arrest after scoring his first rushing touchdown of the year against the Carolina Panthers.

Josh Jacobs was the subject of fans’ ire after his touchdown celebration against the Carolina Panthers drew attention.

Jacobs played in his second game of the 2026 NFL season on Thursday after missing the first six weeks after being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list following his offseason arrest following an alleged domestic violence incident with a woman. Against the Panthers in the second quarter, the Green Bay Packers star scored his first rushing touchdown of the year.

In the end zone, Jacobs immediately lowered his head with his hands behind his back, apparently pantomiming being arrested after the score.

Fans quickly clocked the celebration with one account writing: “#PACKERS RB JOSH JACOBS CLAIMED HE WAS HANDCUFFED AFTER SCORING A TOUCHDOWN. JACOBS WAS ARRESTED EARLIER THIS YEAR IN CONNECTION WITH ALLEGATIONS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. THIS IS CRAZY.”

Another account wrote: “Forcibly removing Josh Jacobs there was boring. Then the fact that he was partying in handcuffs was disgusting. » A third posted: “Bro turned his domestic violence into a touchdown dance. Impressive in the worst way.”

A fourth wrote on “This guy is a classic example of men who never learn from their mistakes. IQ below 80. Childish mind,” the comment read.

One fan thought Jacobs would be fined for his celebration. The sentiment surrounding Jacobs’ celebration seemed to be one of general disapproval, with one comment fiercely denouncing the star’s actions, especially considering the poor decision from every angle.

“Josh Jacobs is a f—— disgusting human being. Acting like someone put handcuffs on him after literally being arrested for domestic violence is disgusting. Just the worst celebration possible,” a fan posted on X.

In addition to his criticized actions Thursday night, Jacobs was also harshly booed every time he touched the ball in his first game of the season against the Detroit Lions.

Interestingly, when he scored a touchdown against the Lions last week, the star got down on one knee and looked up to the sky with his arms outstretched in what appeared to be a prayer pose.

Before returning to action, Jacobs apologized to reporters when he spoke to the media for the first time following his arrest.

“Obviously, man, I’m remorseful and I’m sorry I put this team in this situation,” he said at the time, before saying it only took seconds for his life to change.

“Sometimes when you go through life, situations arise and a four or three second decision can honestly change your life.”

He added: “I’m still a human being, man. I’m still trying to learn, I’m still trying to grow from the whole process.” Although it appeared with his touchdown celebration that he might still have more to learn.