Packers running back Josh Jacobs provides inspiration during football camp
Josh Jacobs fondly remembers being a wide-eyed youngster with aspirations of playing in the National Football League.
Now that he’s achieved his dream, the Green Bay Packers running back is looking to inspire the next generation.
Jacobs did just that while sharing his vision and experience with kids during a youth football camp Saturday afternoon at the Sonnentag Fieldhouse.
A group of around 100 players, from ages 6 to 16, took part in the three-hour camp in Eau Claire.
"It's great seeing all of these kids out here," Jacobs said. "It's an honor to be able to work with them and it's exciting to share some of my knowledge with them."
Jacobs and FlexWork Sports coaches guided participants through activities such as interactive sessions, skill stations and opportunities to connect with Jacobs and the coaches.
"FlexWork Sports really connected me with a market I wanted to get into," he said. "It gives me an opportunity to see more of Wisconsin than just Green Bay . The youth is our future and it is good to give these kids something positive to look up to and look forward to."
The 28-year-old Jacobs, a three-time Pro Bowler, knows what it takes to be successful at professional football's highest level.
He was a first round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders out of Alabama in 2019.
He led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards in 2022 during his time with the Raiders.
After five years with the Raiders, he signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers in 2024.
Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season with Green Bay. He followed with 929 yards on the ground and 13 scores in 2025.
A huge smile spread across Jacobs' face when looking around and seeing a fieldhouse full of eager young players Saturday.
"I try to tell them to enjoy being a kid," Jacobs said. "That's the No. 1 thing because we take that for granted. It's important for them to have an opportunity like this to interact and learn from someone in my position. I love talking to the kids, sharing my message, motivating them and joking around with them."
With the NFL Draft going on this weekend, Jacobs recalled what that experience was like for him.
"It was a blessing," he said of being picked in the first round. "To see a lot of these young men achieve their dreams is a blessing when you see all the raw emotion they show after they are selected."
Playing in the state of Wisconsin, coupled with the Packers' passionate fan base, is something Jacobs has enjoyed and embraced.
"Ever since I came here, it's been love," Jacobs said. "These fans really love and support you. I am genuinely happy to be here. It's like my second home."
Expectations were sky high for the Packers last season before a tough finish.
The team experienced its share of adversity, including seeing standout pass rusher Micah Parsons suffer a season ending knee injury.
"This week was actually our first week back," Jacobs said. "To see guys coming back and to see how good of shape that people are in, you can tell guys were getting after it in the offseason.
"And it's good seeing some of those younger players have another year of experience under their belt and stepping into their own. I think it's going to be a special year."
Jacobs now has a couple years of experience playing in the Green Bay offense that is led by quarterback Jordan Love.
"Knowing the system allows you to play the game at the highest level," he said. "It allows you to just use your ability."
Jacobs and the Packers are looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking playoff loss to the rival Chicago Bears ended their season.
"We feel like last year we definitely left a lot of meat on the bone," Jacobs said. "We got hit with a lot of injuries to our key players.
"We have a very, very bright future. There are a lot of high hopes in our building right now. We are intrigued to see what our team looks like this year. We're excited to see what we can do."
