Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a May altercation with his girlfriend.
Jacobs appeared in Brown County court in Wisconsin, where the battery charge resulted in a $1,000 fine plus court costs. Proceedings on the property damage charge were deferred for 12 months and will be dismissed if Jacobs satisfies the conditions of the agreement. Additionally, as part of the agreement Jacobs must avoid contact with the alleged victim, refrain from additional criminal activity, participate in counseling, remain under criminal justice supervision and pay restitution. A follow-up court date was set for Sept. 10, 2027. Jacobs told the court, “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility.” He left the courthouse without speaking to reporters.
Jacobs was arrested May 26 after police responded to a disturbance complaint at his home in the Hobart area near Green Bay. He was initially booked on five potential offenses, including felony strangulation, but prosecutors ultimately filed the two misdemeanor charges in August after reviewing additional evidence. The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list following the charges, preventing him from practicing or playing while allowing him to continue receiving his salary.
The resolution of the criminal case leaves Jacobs’ NFL status as the next major question. The league has not announced a suspension, but Thursday’s plea clears the way for the NFL to complete its review and determine whether further discipline will be imposed. Jacobs, 28, rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season and is entering the third season of a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay.
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