Last month, Brandon Jacobs surfaced in NFL news for the first time in many years. The former Giants running back said he was training to return to the league — as a defensive end. This comeback bid may have legs.
While Jacobs has not played since the 2013 season and is a week away from turning 39, he said interest has emerged regarding his effort to return to football. Jacobs said three teams have spoken to his agent about bringing him to training camp, according to Keyon Jeff of The Houma Courier.
“I don’t want to throw names out there just yet because I was told not to, but it’ll be a shock,” Jacobs said of a potential landing spot. “If I don’t get an opportunity, it’s fine. I’m currently coaching high school football and running a youth program, which I’m perfectly content with doing the rest of my life.”
The odds are obviously against this comeback, and the one Jacobs’ Giants RB1 predecessor — Tiki Barber — attempted in 2011 did not go far. But Tim Tebow is attempting to complete a similar odyssey, aiming to return to an active roster after having not played since the 2012 season. The quarterback-turned-tight end is 33, however. A workout would certainly need to commence in order for Jacobs to convince a team to sign him.
Jacobs said he is around his former playing weight, approximately 260 pounds, and has been training for multiple months with the purpose of returning to the game. Jacobs’ 6-foot-4 frame did present a daunting tackling task for defenders during a career that included two 1,000-yard seasons and 60 rushing touchdowns. And the two-time Super Bowl champ said one of the reasons he chose Auburn over LSU as a recruit was Nick Saban’s preference he play defensive end instead of running back. While a return to the NFL stands as unlikely, Jacobs landing a training camp gig would certainly make for an interesting storyline.
Jacobs comeback attempt was not mentioned in Tebows headlines; Tebow shouldn’t be mentioned here.
I love these comeback stories. Even if they don’t pan out, they’re always fun. Like when several years ago Tracy McGrady was trying to comeback but to the MLB as a lefty reliever.