From sleeping in a car to NFL stardom: Josh Jacobs' powerful story will break your heart and inspire you
Before he was stiff-arming defenders and breaking records, Josh Jacobs was just a kid living out of a car in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No spotlight. No cleats. Just a backseat, a protective dad, and a dream that didn't seem real yet here he is.
The Packers running back opened up again about his upbringing, and it's the kind of story that hits different when you realize how far he's come. It's not just inspiring, it's gut-wrenching, raw, and real.
Josh Jacobs and his family lived in motels and cars but he never let it break him
— _MLFootball (@_MLFootball)
Josh was in middle school when his family's living situation collapsed. With his dad and siblings, he bounced between motels and nights parked in a Chevy Suburban, where his father would stay up to protect them.
'I normalized a lot of things growing up,'
Jacobs said.
'Like I never thought, damn, I'm sleeping in a car.'
He didn't complain. He didn't crack. He just played football, got better, and stayed ready.
When Jacobs was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Raiders, his first big move wasn't flashy jewelry or a luxury car. It was buying his dad a house.
That full-circle moment made headlines everywhere. And if you've ever seen the footage, his dad breaking down in tears, it'll stay with you.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
(46만원 지원할인) 모발이식 500모 49.5만원
지원할인 모발이식
더 알아보기
Undo
'That's what made it real for me,'
Jacobs said.
'Knowing I could take care of the man who never stopped taking care of me.'
From Super Bowl ads to real-life change, Josh is using his platform to speak for others
Jacobs didn't just stop at personal wins, he told his story on a Kia Super Bowl ad, highlighting youth homelessness and partnering with programs to raise awareness.
Every yard he gained during Super Bowl LIV meant real money donated to kids going through what he once lived.
It's the kind of advocacy that makes you see athletes as more than just players.
This isn't just a rags-to-riches tale, it's about perseverance, perspective, and the power of staying grounded. Josh Jacobs could've folded under pressure. Instead, he turned his past into purpose.
And now? He's not just running toward touchdowns, he's running for every kid still trying to make it out of that backseat.
Also read -
'You can't troll your own brother': Shedeur Sanders responds to Shilo's savage roast
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Kuberaa' box office collections day 6: Dhanush and Nagarjuna's film nears Rs 61 crore mark
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Dhanush and Nagarjuna's action drama 'Kuberaa' is continuing its theatrical run with a steady pace. After six days in cinemas, the film has collected Rs 60.71 crore at the Indian box office. The overall response remains positive while the numbers have seen a typical weekday drop. Strong weekend launch As reported by the Sacnilk website, 'Kuberaa' had a good start on the last Friday as it opened with Rs 14.75 crores/ The weekend collections were impressive as the collections rose to Rs 16.75 crores and on Sunday it even went to Rs 17.35 crores. Dhanush Touches Chiranjeevi's Feet, Hugs Rashmika and Nagarjuna at Kuberaa Success Meet Audiences, particularly in Telugu and Tamil-speaking regions, turned out in good numbers. Dhanush's fanbase and Nagarjuna's presence helped pull in crowds across states, and the strong word-of-mouth gave the film a solid push through its first three days. Expected dip, but no alarm bells 'Monday brought in Rs 6.8 crore, and Tuesday followed with Rs 5.31 crore, according to early estimates. Wednesday's figures haven't been confirmed yet, but the film's six-day total stands at Rs 60.71 crore. Despite the slowdown, the numbers so far suggest that Kuberaa has found a decent footing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The weekdays may not match the energy of the opening weekend, but the film has stayed in the game without a major slump — which is a good sign as it approaches its second weekend. Star cast 'Kuberaa' features an impressive cast with Dhanush in the lead. Other actors in this thriller film includes Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, and Dalip Tahil, and many more. Dhanush's stunning performance is said to be the main highlight of 'Kuberaa'. Overall, with no major releases ahead, it can be expected that the Nagarjuna starrer may hold more days in cinemas with good occupancy levels.
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
Travis Kelce channels inner professor at Tight End University, where Taylor Swift joined the Chiefs TE for support
Travis Kelce's TEU class like a football TED Talk (Getty Images) Travis Kelce isn't just extending his legacy on the field—he's shaping the next generation of tight ends off it. The Kansas City Chiefs star returned for the fifth edition of Tight End University (TEU) in Nashville, an elite offseason training summit he co-founded alongside fellow NFL greats George Kittle and Greg Olsen. And this year, he brought more star power than ever—his girlfriend Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance, further amplifying the buzz surrounding the event. Travis Kelce stuns fans with coaching brilliance at TEU Held over three immersive days, TEU isn't just a casual gathering. It's where technique meets tradition, and where the finest in the NFL come to sharpen their craft. The program has become a staple for elite tight ends looking to level up—and Kelce has been central to that mission. Despite suffering a tough loss in Super Bowl LIX earlier this year—where he recorded just four catches for 39 yards—Kelce hasn't let the setback stall his momentum. Though retirement had been on his mind, the 35-year-old opted to return for the 2025 season, determined not to end his career on a low note. With just one year remaining on his current contract, he'll begin what might be his final NFL campaign in Brazil on September 5 against the Chargers. Yet if his performance at TEU is anything to go by, a seamless transition into coaching could be waiting. A video shared by the NFL captured Kelce diving deep into the art of route running. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prince William & Kate Met Princess Diana's Secret Daughter. Plays Star Undo 'Us big guys, it's so hard for us to throw one foot in the ground going at 75% speed in a route to get out there,' Kelce explained to the group. 'We want to use two steps, and sometimes it takes three on the 15, 20-yard routes if you are lucky enough to run them.' The way Kelce broke down the mechanics of movement—the balance, the power, the importance of being deliberate—left fans in awe. 'I'm gonna make sure that I get to a balanced, powerful position. That instep is typically going in the direction that I want to go,' he continued. 'So really work and find that shoulder-over-toe and you can really get in and out of there precise, with a purposeful and powerful foundation.' His passion and clarity have sparked speculation among fans that he'd be an outstanding coach once his playing days conclude. Whether that comes soon or later, Kelce's dedication to the tight end craft—along with the energy he brings to mentoring—makes it clear that TEU isn't just a camp. It's a legacy in motion. And with Taylor Swift by his side during the opening night festivities at a stylish Nashville cocktail bar, Kelce showed he's equally at ease in the spotlight and the film room—a rare combination that's making TEU more impactful, and more talked about, than ever. Also Read: Swifties can't handle Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's red carpet PDA: "He was going to kiss her forehead but she went straight in" For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Diljit Dosanjh reveals Shakria accidentally helped him carry ‘kirpan' at Met Gala 2025: 'I just walked through with her'
From his Coachella performance to his Dil-Luminati world tour, Diljit Dosanjh became a global phenomenon with every step. Another feather in his hat was added when he made his Met Gala debut this year. His Met Gala look was inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala's regal style. An essential part of his entire look was a kirpan (sword), which he was told to leave behind as per the rules of the event. However, accidentally, international artist Shakira helped Diljit to carry the kirpan at the Met Gala red carpet. Met Gala 2025 : Diljit Dosanjh on how he carried the kirpan with Shakira's help During his conversation with BBC Asian Network, Diljit, while sharing about his Met Gala's big moment, the look, revealed an interesting anecdote about how he managed to carry a kirpan when he was told he couldn't take it to the event. He was initially upset over it as the kirpan was a part of his look; nevertheless, he requested permission to at least click photos with it backstage. Later, in the rush of the moment, he ended up sitting in the car with the kirpan still in his hand. When he arrived at the venue, he decided to carry it with him and would hand it over if anyone asked or insisted. Least did he or anyone know that he would be able to carry the kirpan to the red carpet of the Met Gala 2025, courtesy of Shakira, or to be more specific, Shakira's dress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Future-Ready Living in Godrej Majesty, Greater Noida Godrej Noida Book Now Undo "Shakira was ahead of me, and her dress had a lot of metal pins and such. No one wanted to go behind her because she's a big star, but I thought it was okay because she was in my group. So when she was going through the metal detector, it had to beep because of all the metal on her dress, and I had the Kirpan under my cape, so I just walked through with her,' revealed the actor. 'I thought, 'If we get caught, we both will; if not, then not.' I had the Kirpan under my cape. They checked Shakira but didn't check me," he added. The 'Sardaar Ji 3' controversy Though Diljit Dosanjh recieved a lot of love and warmth for his Met Gala 2025 debut, currently the actor is facing backlash over the Hania Aamir's casting controversy in 'Sardaar Ji 3.' Amid India and Pakistan's strained relations following the Pahalgam attack, Hania Aamir's role in 'Sardaar Ji 3' is being heavily criticized. Though the movie is not releasing in India and will only be hitting the overseas screens, netizens and FWICE have expressed their disapproval and disappointment towards the film. FWICE has even urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action in this matter.
