Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge

Lambeau Field. Photo by Jeramey Jannene

Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs was released from custody Wednesday following an arrest in Brown County on suspected domestic violence charges.

Online records from the Brown County Jail show Jacobs was booked Tuesday on recommended charges including misdemeanor battery-domestic abuse and intimidation of a victim, as well as felony strangulation or suffocation.

In a statement released at about noon Wednesday, Brown County District Attorney David Lasee said his office was not prepared to make a formal charging decision in the case and has requested additional investigation.

“There is reason to believe that additional evidence may exist that would impact whether criminal charges are appropriate, and what charges would be issued,” Lasee stated. “Mr. Jacobs will be released from custody at this time, and a final charging decision will be made by our office at a later date.”

He also said the investigation is ongoing and the district attorney’s office “will make no further comment about the case at this time.”

Jacobs was no longer listed as an inmate in the Brown County Jail as of Wednesday afternoon, according to online records.

In a statement shared with national sports media, the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department said it was dispatched to a “complaint involving Jacobs” over the weekend. Jacobs reportedly turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the statement from police said. “No further information will be released at this time.”

Lawyers for Jacobs released a statement after his arrest, saying he “vehemently denies the allegations.”

After his release, the attorneys issued another statement saying they were “extremely pleased” with the district attorney’s decision.

“We encourage everyone to keep an open mind while the matter is fully reviewed,” the statement reads. “We are confident that, once all the evidence is gathered and evaluated, it will confirm that no charges should be brought.”

The Packers began their organized team activities, optional non-contact offseason practices Tuesday.

“We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs,” a Packers spokesperson said via email. “As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment.”

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur declined to directly answer several questions from Packers beat reporters about Jacobs’ situation during a scheduled media availability on Wednesday.

“I’m going to stick with the statement that we put out as an organization and just let the process play out,” LaFleur said.

He also said he felt the organization held its players to a “high standard” and that the front office has generally been good at “evaluating character.”

The team reportedly canceled a planned media availability with players scheduled after Wednesday’s practice.

Jacobs is coming off of his second season in Green Bay after spending five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, formerly the Oakland Raiders.

He had more than 1,000 rushing yards during his first season with the Packers and was voted a team captain in 2025. He was expected to be the team’s signature running back in 2026 as they opted not to add to the position through the NFL draft this year.

According to the NFL, Jacobs is under contract through the 2027 season.

LaFleur declined to say whether the team was preparing for the possibility of competing in 2026 without Jacobs. He also said that “a lot’s going to happen” between now and the start of the season.

“I like the guys that we have (at running back), but certainly you can never have enough,” he said. “That’s for sure.”

The league has said it is “aware of the report” about Jacobs and has been in contact with the Packers.

Brown County DA not ready to make charging decision on Packers running back Josh Jacobs was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.