“My dad was born in the Philippines…My grandma was from the Philippines, this is her right here,” said Josh Jacobs two years back in a YouTube video, pointing towards the tattoo of his late grandmother, Margerita, on the back of his left palm. Just the fact that he’s got her inked on his body must mean she’s got a special place in the Packers’ running back’s life. Lola, as the family used to call her lovingly, was an immigrant from Angeles City in the Philippines. Moreover, Josh’s dad made sure that he stayed connected to the roots he now takes pride in and advocates for in the NFL.

Where is Josh Jacobs from, and what is his nationality?

For those who don’t know, Josh is an American football running back for the Green Bay Packers. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on February 11, 1998. Josh faced tough times growing up. There was even a period of homelessness when he was in middle school. Still, he dominated in high school football, rushed for more than 5,000 yards, and scored 55 touchdowns. His performance had earned him a scholarship to play at Alabama. And that is where his fate changed. He got drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Since then, he has been to the Pro Bowl three times and led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022 with 1,653 yards. He also made First Team All-Pro that same year. As of 2025, he has played in 42 games, rushing for 7,024 yards and scoring 63 touchdowns, while catching 234 passes for 1,794 yards. He is often seen proudly representing Filipino Americans in the NFL.

What is Jacobs’ ethnicity?

Josh Jacobs is of mixed heritage. His father is an African American, and his mother is Filipino. However, essentially, his Filipino roots come from his paternal grandmother, Margerita, who immigrated from Angeles City in the Philippines, as mentioned. Jacobs has more than once spoken about the role his heritage has played in his life.

His father made sure the family stayed connected to their culture, and Jacobs proudly embraces being Filipino American. There are very few players in the NFL with this background, and he sees it as an opportunity to represent his community on a bigger platform. By far, he has expressed how important it is for him to highlight his heritage and inspire others.

Jacobs has also talked about wanting to visit the Philippines to spend time with family and learn more about where he comes from. Even as his football career is taking off, fans notice that his identity remains closely tied to his Filipino heritage, and he continues to be one of the few voices representing that culture in professional sports.

What is Josh Jacobs’ religion?

Josh Jacobs is a Christian, and he’s been open about how his faith shapes his life and career. He believes his relationship with God is what influences his mindset, and most of us would agree with that. For him, it helps him stay grounded through the ups and downs that come with being in such a competitive sport. Faith somehow gives him direction and helps him handle pressure.

He actively participates in faith-based events and enjoys connecting with other believers. Jacobs has also spoken about the importance of surrounding himself with people who share his values, which helps him stay focused and motivated. All in all, Josh is the type of person who isn’t just after athletic success, but to him, it’s more about what he values and stands for.

Faith plays a role in how he approaches challenges and makes decisions. Doesn’t matter if it is preparing for a game or handling setbacks, Jacobs leans on prayer and his Christian principles to guide him. Do you relate to him on the matter?