His playing style at Alabama created attention, but Josh Jacobs’ story melted the hearts of Crimson Tide fans.
A native of Tulsa, Okla., he never had a place to call home. Jacobs and his four siblings lived with their father in cars, motels and hotels.
He would often see his dad cry, but Jacobs assured everyone that things would turn for the better. With each chance he earned at Alabama, people saw the speed, versatility, toughness and heart that Jacobs had on the field.
During his junior season, the former three-star blossomed into a special player.
Alabama running back Josh Jacobs runs the ball versus Oklahoma in 2018 CFP semifinal/ Photo comes via Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports
He did everything for the Tide, including return kickoffs. Jacobs had 640 yards rushing, 247 yards receiving, 428 kick return yards and 15 total touchdowns in 2018. The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder willed the Tide to a Southeastern Conference title and made his father proud with becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2019.
As a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs is the face of the offense and the excitement of the team. After a 1,000-yard season as a rookie and near NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year ending, Jacobs has the Raiders at 2-2 on the season and he has 300 yards rushing, 100 yards receiving and three scores.
He brought joy to his father in buying him a home; however, Jacobs’ final mission in getting his family back together is becoming a homeowner himself.
In partnering with The Players’ Tribune and Rocket Mortgage, he is searching for the best home in the area to call his own.
Last year, @iAM_JoshJacobs bought his father a new home as a thank you for all of his sacrifices.
Now, the @Raiders star is buying his own in the city of Las Vegas. He shares his family’s story that makes these moments so special.
In partnership with @RocketMortgage. pic.twitter.com/GvVsqcrU8G
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) October 8, 2020
“My family likes to come to the games,” Jacobs said. “They all come up and they all want to stay with me, and that is my way of kind of keeping the family vibe and the energy around. I am happy that my family gets to experience this with me. Being able to say I’m a homeowner, just having a house at 22, and just being, I guess, stable, and just break what I call generational curses within our family. It’s a surreal feeling, just being able to be that guy to mold the family back together on every side, whether it’s my mom and my dad’s side. Just have everyone come back together as one. It gives me chills just thinking about it.”
He has not found the house that has sold him yet, but Jacobs is closing in on one.
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Of the many beautiful homes in Las Vegas, he is bound to find one that catches his eye.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
