Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs faces five criminal charges after being arrested this week in Wisconsin, in a case that is already generating concern within the organization and the NFL.
According to Hobart/Lawrence Police, Jacobs was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of strangulation and suffocation, domestic assault, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim. The strangulation and suffocation charge is listed as a felony, while the other four are misdemeanors.
Police Chief Michael Renkas explained that authorities responded Saturday morning to a disturbance report involving the player. In addition, he indicated that the investigation remains open and that no further official details will be offered at this time.
Jacobs’ attorneys — David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld and Clarence Duchac — issued a statement defending the running back’s innocence.
“Josh strongly denies the allegations and this matter is in the early stages of investigation, with significant evidence that has not yet been made public,” the legal representatives said.
The situation hits the Packers just as they began their offseason organized activities. The franchise confirmed that it is aware of the case, although it avoided going deeper due to the ongoing judicial process. The NFL also reported that it maintains contact with the team.
Jacobs comes from being one of Green Bay’s most important offensive pieces. Last season he ran for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, after a brilliant 2024 in which he accumulated 1,329 rushing yards and 15 scores, earning his third selection to the Pro Bowl.
Before joining the Packers, Jacobs played five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was All-Pro in 2022 after leading the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards.
In seven seasons as a professional, the running back has 7,803 yards and 74 rushing touchdowns, ranking among the most productive active players in the league.
