Imagine battling through a debilitating illness, only to step onto the field and deliver a performance that leaves everyone in awe. That’s exactly what Josh Jacobs did in the Green Bay Packers’ recent 28-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: Jacobs wasn’t just playing—he was thriving, despite vomiting before and during the game. Yes, you read that right. Lambeau Field bore witness to his grit as he churned out 150 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns, all while fighting off nausea.
In a post-game interview, Jacobs revealed he had a hunch it might be a big day. ‘I just kind of woke up this morning not feeling my best,’ he said. ‘But I told them, ‘The last time I felt like this, I had 130 yards and two touchdowns.’ So, it is what it is.’ While he couldn’t pinpoint the exact game, he recalled a similar experience during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. And let’s not forget his two-touchdown performance for Alabama in the 2018 SEC Championship Game—clearly, feeling unwell has become something of a good luck charm for him.
And this is the part most people miss: Jacobs was miked up during the game, and at one point, he was heard coughing on the field. ‘Everybody was like, ‘Man, are you all right?’ I’m like, ‘We’ll figure it out,’’ he said with a laugh. Despite his illness, Jacobs has been on fire lately, following up a strong Week 4 performance against the Dallas Cowboys with another stellar outing. On Sunday, he rushed 18 times for 93 yards, including touchdown runs of 3 and 4 yards, and caught five passes for 57 yards.
This performance cemented his place in Packers history as just the sixth player to record at least 150 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in consecutive games—a feat last achieved by Ahman Green in 2001. Yet, the game ball didn’t go to Jacobs. Instead, it was awarded to kicker Lucas Havrisik, a last-minute replacement for Brandon McManus, who was sidelined with a quadriceps injury. Havrisik, who hadn’t kicked in an NFL game since 2023 and signed with the Packers just a day earlier, made all five of his kicks, including a clutch 39-yard field goal that sealed the win.
But here’s the controversial part: While Jacobs undoubtedly carried the team, Havrisik’s performance was game-changing. Does the game ball always have to go to the most statistically impactful player, or should it reward clutch moments? Jacobs himself had no hard feelings, admitting he didn’t even know Havrisik’s name before the game. ‘He came in and made some big-time kicks for us,’ Jacobs said. ‘He deserved it.’
By the end of the game, all Jacobs wanted was to rest. ‘I’m ready to go lay down,’ he said, his exhaustion palpable. His yards were hard-earned, with a season-high 74 yards on runs between the tackles—including both touchdowns. Since joining the Packers in 2024, he’s scored 21 touchdowns on inside rushes, six more than any other player. He also recorded a season-high 48 yards after contact, showcasing his relentless effort.
Packers tight end Tucker Kraft praised Jacobs, saying, ‘He’s everything you need in a teammate and a leader. The way he practices, the way he plays—it’s all so contagious.’ Let’s just hope that’s the only thing that’s contagious.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should the game ball always go to the player with the flashiest stats, or should it reward clutch performances that might not show up in the box score? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
