DISHING WITH THE ROOKIES
JOSH JACOBS, RB, RAIDERS Did you realize making football cards was such a big business and the Rookie Premiere was such a big organized event?
“I didn’t know it was this much that went into it. I didn’t know there were metal cards. I don’t know where to get them, I need a couple of them. I honestly want to get at least one of every kind, from each different product.” What did you think of all the different varieties and inks for signatures?
“It’s definitely dope. is one with four of us on here together, I think that’s dope. I’ve never seen anything like that either. And the cards with the jerseys.” Did you realize the college cards and collectibles are such a big deal?
“I kind of did, especially early on. We haven’t officially played a snap in the league, and we have so many die-hard fans at our school. But it’s cool how they got our new jerseys.” What did you collect growing up?
“I used to have a crazy baseball card collection, rare ones. But we moved so much that I lost them.” What player would you want to be on a football card with? “It’s got to be a running back. I would have to go with my alltime favorite, LaDainian Tomlinson.” What type of RB are Raiders fans getting?
“One of the most versatile backs. I’m definitely that new-era back. You can line me up out wide and run routes. You can keep
me in to protect, and obviously I can run the ball. So, I feel like I can do everything pretty well. at’s what probably sold me most to teams.” How have the Raiders veterans helped you so far?
“Derek Carr probably knows me the most. Antonio gave me some gems, but you know, he’s not a running back (laughs). But Derek Carr keeps me up to date on the plays. Him and Doug Martin, and all the other running backs helped me out.” How did all the hardships in your history help shape you outside of football?
“It helped me more outside of school. It helped me to be very understanding when it comes to a lot of people’s situations… when it comes to judging people. It taught me to take a humble approach to everything. It helped me grind for everything.” What would you be doing if you weren’t playing football?
“Probably something in the community. One of my dreams is to start a facility back home that helps kids who grew up like I did, that don’t have much, to have somewhere safe to go and perfect their cra s. at may be sports, music, technology, whatever—just to provide help for free. Back home, why my story is so special, is because I’m the only one to ever do it without help, other than faith and God. I just want to be that person who can help them.” What rookie would you want to start building a Rookie Card collection of?
“I would have to say Irv Smith, just because that’s my dog. I went to school with him, and we were roommates. I know a lot of things going on in his life that a lot of people don’t know about.”
Any players you’re looking forward to playing against? “Kind of everybody. Reggie Ragland and I have been doing a lot of talking. We see them twice in Kansas City.” What players still at Alabama should collectors watch out for the next couple years? “One is too hard! One that’s not obvious is Brian Robinson, running back number 24. He’s the next one. e dude is 230 and runs a legit 4.4. He doesn’t get as much attention as he should, but he will have a breakout year.” Would you rather rush for a lot of yards or a lot of touchdowns?
“I would rather have yards than touchdowns. Yards are more production, but with touchdowns you could have just been close to the endzone.”