Brandon Jacobs

Latest On Brandon Jacobs’ Comeback Bid

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.

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs Eyeing Comeback As DE

Tim Tebow has inspired another former player to attempt a comeback at a new position. Former NFL running back Brandon Jacobs announced on Twitter that he’s “serious” about returning to the league as a defensive end.

[RELATED: Jaguars Sign Tim Tebow]

“I can still run, I am strong and there’s no way Tim Tebow is a better athlete than I am,” the 2005 fourth-rounder tweeted. “I just need a shot that’s it!! If I can’t cut it I’ll take it like a man. Just give me one chance that’s all!!”

The soon-to-be 39-year-old hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2013, but Jacobs claims that he’s currently in as good of shape as he was during his playing career.

“Body feels great, even at 38,” Jacobs told Josina Anderson (Twitter link). “Right now I‘m at about 260lbs—same weight I played as a RB. I’m switching positions now because it’s something I should’ve done before, and honestly a position I can play….People always said I was a running back in a D-lineman’s body. It doesn’t cost anything to bring me into training camp. It doesn’t hurt to look.”

It’s hard to envision too many teams being interested in a former running back who’s trying to transition to defensive line, especially one who’d be one of the oldest players in the league. Maybe the Giants could give him a chance; Jacobs won a pair of Super Bowls and set the franchise record for rushing touchdowns during his eight years with the organization (two stints). Jacobs was known for his ability to shake defenders and break tackles, and he’d be looking to use that unique perspective if he ends up getting a shot from a team.