The Packers’ Quest for Greatness: Leadership, Talent, and the Future

A New Era in Green Bay Green Bay, Wis. – In the previous offseason, the Green Bay Packers made a statement by signing running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney in free agency. These acquisitions weren’t just about skill—they were about leadership. Jacobs and McKinney brought a level of experience and professionalism that helped shape the youngest roster in the NFL.

But according to Jacobs, more needs to be done for the Packers to reach the next level.

The Importance of Proven Talent Speaking on The Bill Michaels Show during the Super Bowl, Jacobs emphasized the need for more experienced players who have already proven themselves at the highest level.

“I think that what we need is some guys that in this league are already proven and they’ve done it at our level,” Jacobs stated.

The Packers didn’t just sign Jacobs and McKinney for their on-field excellence; they signed them for the influence they could have on a young, developing team. This was made clear to Jacobs from his first meeting with the coaching staff.

Setting the Standard: Leadership on and off the Field From the moment he arrived in Green Bay, Jacobs was committed to leading by example. He wanted to show his teammates what it means to be a professional—how to prepare, practice, and perform at the highest level.

“Then the second thing I wanted to do,” Jacobs continued, “was get to know the players on a deeper level.”

Building camaraderie was a key part of Jacobs’ leadership approach. He organized team dinners and cookouts, creating a sense of unity and trust within the roster.

As training camp progressed, Jacobs’ dedication became evident to his younger teammates. Wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson took notice, expressing admiration for his relentless work ethic.

“It was weird because you have guys like Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, they come up to you and be like, ‘Man, we’ve never seen nobody that already has this going for themselves practice this type of way,’” Jacobs recalled. “And it was like, ‘Man, we never saw somebody go out on the field and it seems like every play you’re giving it your all.’”

The message was clear: to be great, every player must give their best effort on every play.

The Need for a Player-Led Culture Head coach Matt LaFleur has long emphasized that the best teams are led by their players, not just their coaches. As quarterback Jordan Love enters a crucial stage in his career, LaFleur sees leadership development as the next step for the young signal-caller.

Jacobs shares that vision.

While Love has already established himself as a quiet leader who leads by example, Jacobs believes it’s time for him to take on a more vocal role.

“I told him, ‘Man, look, we go as far as you take us. It’s the reason why the quarterback is the No. 1 position in the NFL. It’s the reason why y’all get paid the way that y’all do,’” Jacobs said. “I’m like, ‘You got to get to the point where you’re so confident in yourself and you got so much of a belief in yourself that if something out there don’t look right, you believe in yourself to make it right.’”

For Love, this transition isn’t just about stepping up—it’s about setting a new standard for the entire team.

Building for the Future Despite back-to-back playoff appearances, the Packers remain the youngest team in the NFL. General manager Brian Gutekunst has acknowledged that while the roster is young, it is also gaining valuable experience. However, Jacobs believes that adding more veteran talent could accelerate the team’s growth and success.

“I think that the biggest thing that people kind of take for granted is we’re the youngest team in the NFL. It’s going to be a lot of growing pains with that,” Jacobs said. “Obviously, we’re winning, so we still expect a lot out of ourselves, but it’s some stuff that you can’t coach. It’s some stuff you can only experience.”

Jacobs has been doing his part off the field as well. While he can’t actively recruit players, he has been spreading the message about what makes Green Bay special.

“I’ve talked to a few guys. Obviously, I can’t actually recruit them, but I’m like, ‘Look, if you’re thinking about it, this place is not going to disappoint you. We don’t have an owner. Everybody’s on the same page, from the top to the bottom. It’s organized. We get in, we get out, you spend time with your family, and they take care of them. And, I mean, that’s the biggest thing.’”

Conclusion: The Road Ahead The Packers have a bright future, but to reach their ultimate goal, they must continue developing leadership from within while strategically adding veteran talent. Jacobs’ impact on and off the field is already shaping the team’s culture, and as Love steps into a greater leadership role, Green Bay’s young core could be on the verge of something special.

If they embrace the mindset of excellence and accountability, as Jacobs believes they should, the Packers won’t just be a young team—they’ll be a championship contender.