Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs was arrested Tuesday on five criminal charges — including felony strangulation and suffocation — after police responded to a domestic disturbance involving the three-time Pro Bowler over Memorial Day weekend, authorities confirmed.
Jacobs, 28, was taken into custody and booked into the Brown County Jail. Hobart/Lawrence Police Chief Michael Renkas said officers were dispatched to a disturbance complaint involving Jacobs at 8:37 a.m. on Saturday. The charges include one felony count of strangulation and suffocation, along with four misdemeanors: battery (domestic abuse), criminal damage to property (domestic abuse), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse), and intimidation of a victim.
"This remains an active and ongoing investigation," Renkas said in a statement. "No further information will be released at this time."
Jacobs Denies Allegations, Attorneys Speak Out
Jacobs' legal team — David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld and Clarence Duchac — issued a joint statement on behalf of the Packers running back.
"Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public," the attorneys said. "We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course."
The Packers organization acknowledged the situation but declined to elaborate. "We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs," a team spokesperson said. "As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment." Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was scheduled to address reporters Wednesday, the day after the team began organized team activities.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the league was monitoring the situation. "We are aware of the report and have been in contact with the club," he said.
Timeline: How the Arrest Developed
The incident unfolded over the Memorial Day weekend in the Green Bay metropolitan area. According to police records and multiple reports, here is the timeline of events so far:
- Saturday, May 24, 8:37 a.m. CT — Hobart/Lawrence Police Department responds to a "disturbance complaint" involving Josh Jacobs.
- Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 25 — Police conduct an investigation into the incident over the holiday weekend.
- Tuesday, May 26 — Jacobs is arrested and booked into the Brown County Jail on five charges. The Packers begin OTAs the same day.
- Tuesday, May 26 evening — News of the arrest breaks. Jacobs' attorneys issue a statement denying the allegations. The Packers and NFL release statements acknowledging the matter.
- Wednesday, May 27 — Head coach Matt LaFleur is scheduled to address the media for the first time since the arrest. The investigation remains active.
What This Means for the Packers and Jacobs' Career
Jacobs has been the centerpiece of Green Bay's rushing attack since signing with the team as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season. In his first year with the Packers, he rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning his third Pro Bowl selection while helping stabilize an offense transitioning post-Aaron Rodgers.
The 2025 season saw Jacobs produce 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns despite dealing with a lingering knee injury that impacted his production. Over his seven-year NFL career — the first five with the Raiders franchise — Jacobs has amassed 7,803 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns. His 2022 season with Las Vegas was historic: he led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards, earned first-team All-Pro honors, and established himself as one of the league's premier ball carriers.
The timing of the arrest is particularly challenging for the Packers. The team's second-leading rusher from last season, Emanuel Wilson, signed with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, leaving Green Bay thin at the running back position behind Jacobs. The team began its organized team activities on Tuesday, and Jacobs' availability for the upcoming season — let alone training camp — is now very much in question pending the legal process.
The NFL's personal conduct policy could also result in league discipline regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to impose suspensions for conduct that "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL."
Where Things Stand Now
As of Wednesday morning, Jacobs remains in the early stages of the legal process. The Hobart/Lawrence Police Department continues its investigation, and no court date has been publicly set. The felony strangulation charge is the most severe of the five counts and could carry significant prison time if Jacobs is convicted.
The Packers are expected to let the legal process unfold before making any roster decisions. While the team's statement was brief, teams in similar situations typically wait for more information before taking disciplinary action, though they could place Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list, which would effectively sideline him while he receives pay.
The NFL has not announced any immediate action, but the league's statement confirming it has been "in contact" with the Packers suggests internal discussions are already underway.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Josh Jacobs was arrested Tuesday on five charges including felony strangulation after a domestic disturbance on Memorial Day weekend.
- Jacobs denies all allegations through his attorneys, who say there is important evidence yet to be made public.
- The Packers and NFL are monitoring the situation but have withheld further comment as the legal process continues.
- Jacobs is a three-time Pro Bowl running back with 7,803 career rushing yards and 74 touchdowns over seven NFL seasons.
- The investigation remains active, and no court date has been set. The case could have major implications for both Jacobs' career and the Packers' 2026 season.
