Who are Josh Jacobs’ parents? Meet Marty and Lachelle and how their sacrifices turned him from a homeless
Josh Jacobs’s inspiring rise: How parents Marty and Lachelle Jacobs shaped the NFL star’s unbreakable spirit (AP Photos) When Josh Jacobs locks in, the world fades. Inside the red zone, his focus narrows to one thing — the end zone. The roar of the crowd, the shuffle of defenders, even the sidelines disappear from view. “We call it flow state,” Jacobs said last month. “You become out of body almost.” That rare mental clarity has turned him into one of the NFL’s most relentless running backs — a player who thrives under pressure and makes the impossible look effortless.Selected to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2019, Jacobs’ rise was fast and fearless. He hit the 1,000-yard mark in his first two seasons, earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020, and by 2022, led the league with 1,653 rushing yards. His move to the Green Bay Packers in 2024 marked a new chapter — and he’s wasted no time making his mark. With 42 carries, 150 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in his first two games of 2025, he’s already extended his touchdown streak to 10 consecutive matches, just shy of an NFL record. But beyond his on-field glory, fans are just as intrigued by the story behind the star — his family.
The untold story of Josh Jacobs’s parents and their fight to give him a better life
Josh Jacobs’ father, Marty Jacobs, has long been the heart behind his son’s success. After divorcing Josh’s mother, LaChelle, in 2006, Marty took custody of their four children despite having little money. They lived out of a car or in low-cost motels in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Marty juggled multiple jobs, often skipping meals so his children wouldn’t go hungry. His strength and sacrifice shaped Josh’s resilience and drive — qualities that later defined his career. Today, Marty watches proudly from the stands and mentors young athletes, passing forward the lessons that carried his family through hardship.Josh’s mother, LaChelle Jacobs, also played a part in his early life. Following the divorce, she initially raised their five children alone. However, their relationship eventually grew strained, with reports of financial disputes and emotional distance. Josh ultimately chose to live with his father, whose perseverance became his guiding light.Of Filipino and African American descent, Jacobs celebrates both sides of his heritage. His Filipino grandmother, from Angeles City, left a lasting impression on him — so much so that he tattooed her portrait on his left hand. His dual heritage is a badge of pride, one he carries into every game as one of the few Filipino Americans in the NFL.From sleeping in cars to lighting up stadiums, Josh Jacobs’ journey mirrors his father’s unbreakable spirit. Their bond, forged through struggle, remains his greatest victory.More NFL coverageMystery deepens around Marshawn Kneeland’s death as new details reveal the truth behind his final hoursWhat made Rob Gronkowski choose Patriots again for his final NFL moment? The answer is heartbreaking
