When the National Football League is on and people get a chance to watch Josh Jacobs in action, there are many that do not know his journey. Well before a big NFL contract and a stacked highlight feel, Jacobs grew up a kid in Tulsa, Oklahoma not sure where he would sleep on a nightly basis.
His journey from homelessness to becoming one of the league’s elite running backs is not just a football story, it’s one that shows resilience, sacrifice, and gratitude.
Early struggles
Growing up, Jacobs didn’t always have a bed to call his own. For much of his childhood, he and his siblings lived out of their father’s car, sometimes bouncing between cheap motel rooms when money allowed. To Josh, this wasn’t shown as hardship at the time; it was just life. He recalls drifting off to sleep in the backseat, believing it was normal, even safe.
His father, Marty Jacobs, took the brunt. Josh has talked about watching his dad go without food so that the kids could eat. Those sacrifices, though painful, became the foundation of Josh’s determination.
Football was the outlet
Despite the uncertainty, football became Jacobs’ escape. On the field, he wasn’t the homeless kid; he was a competitor, a fighter, a playmaker. Despite not being a highly recruited player coming out of high school, his talent and relentless drive eventually landed him at the University of Alabama, one of college football’s most storied programs.
Even at Alabama, reminders of his past stayed with him. Jacobs admitted he had trouble adjusting to sleeping in a bed, often making pallets on the floor because that felt more familiar. The habits of his childhood stayed with him, a reminder of how far he had come.
Breaking through at Alabama
Jacobs worked tirelessly to prove himself. While not the most hyped recruit, he earned playing time by outworking teammates and making the most of every opportunity. His toughness and versatility caught the eyes of scouts, and by the end of his college career, he had cemented himself as a future NFL star.
NFL dreams realized
In 2019, the Oakland Raiders selected Jacobs in the first round of the NFL Draft. The kid who once slept in the backseat of a car had arrived on football’s biggest stage. Almost immediately, he set out to give back.
One of his first major purchases as a pro was a house for his father, a gesture of gratitude for the man who sacrificed everything to keep his family together.
His story quickly gained national recognition. Jacobs was featured in a Kia Super Bowl commercial titled “Tough Never Quits,” showing off his path from homelessness to professional success. Documentaries and interviews followed, shining a light on his incredible resilience.
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A message of resilience
For Jacobs, the struggles of his youth are not scars to hide but fuel for his success. He has said that those nights in cars and motels gave him maturity beyond his years, instilling a toughness that football alone could never teach.
Today, he is more than just an NFL star; he is a living reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. His story continues to inspire young athletes, families facing hardship, and anyone who has ever been told their dreams are out of reach.
Josh Jacobs’ journey from homelessness to NFL stardom is a testament to perseverance, family, and the belief that circumstances do not entirely control destiny. From falling asleep in a car as a child to scoring touchdowns on Sunday afternoons, Jacobs shows the spirit of never giving up and always giving back.
Jacobs will be ready Thursday night under the bright lights.
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