When it comes to running the football in the NFL, Josh Jacobs was at the top of the list this season.
The former Alabama running back, drafted by the Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, finished his 2022 campaign with 1,653 rushing yards, the most of any player in the league in 2022. Nearly half of that total was yards after contact, averaging 2.4 yards after contact per carry with 29 broken tackles, per Pro Football Reference.
Along with the rushing yards crown, No. 28 finished first in the league in scrimmage yards (2,053) and rushing first downs (93), second in the league in carries (340) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (12) – all of which are career highs for him. Jacobs also recorded the second-most rushing yards in a season in franchise history (Marcus Allen, 1985).
"It's a testament to the team and the guys who helped me along the way," Jacobs said. "That's definitely dope to be able to experience that with them."
"Life comes with peaks and valleys. It's just all about how you handle it," he added. "How you go about each situation, even in the rough times. I feel that's when you have to dig in deep and work even harder. For me, I just try to embody that. Coming in here with these guys, seeing the smiles on their face or them uplifting me and being encouraging – it just makes it easier."
Order Your Josh Jacobs Jersey Today!
Jacobs' performance impressed all of his teammates and coaches, and earned him a team captain nod toward the end of the season.
"I've stated my position on him numerous of times and it hasn't changed. To be the NFL rushing leader, that's a great individual achievement," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said during his end of season press conference. "A collective effort went into that, but obviously JJ's performance was a huge bright spot for us.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for him as a person and as a player. He embodies all of the things we want a Raider to be."
View team photographer Matt Aguirre's best photos from Allegiant Stadium's catwalk during the Las Vegas Raiders' Week 18 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) passes during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) rushes during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) goes for a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) blocks as wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) sets the ball before a kicking the ball off during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51), linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) and running back Ameer Abdullah (22) cover on a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) ad linebacker Harvey Langi (56) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) is congratulated by defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) is congratulated by linebacker Harvey Langi (56) after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Austin Calitro (53) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) celebrate during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) rushes during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) rushes during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) calls a play at the line during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) calls a play at the line during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
