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I want to start the new year with a story that gives hope and new meaning to father-son relationships. Josh Jacobs of the Oakland (soon to be Las Vegas) Raiders had a breakout season as a rookie running back for The Silver and Black. But his greatest breakout of this year came on Monday, January 6th, 2020, when he revealed through social media that he purchased his father a house in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

To many, this story may seem just like another athlete who “hit it big” and used a $6.7 million signing bonus to buy a house for a family member. For Jacobs, this was different. He was a child of divorce, and when he was eight years old, his father Marty obtained sole custody of him. His father struggled to make ends meet. Sometimes they lived out of his father’s car, inexpensive hotels and  even on the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

Even through hard times, Jacobs kept his drive and determination which culminated with him being selected 24th overall by the Raiders in the 2019 draft.  In his rookie campaign, Jacobs amassed over 1,000 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns putting him on the short list for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.  Josh’s father made sacrifices and did everything he could to see his child succeed, and now his son has decided to honor his father’s heroic parenting with the most meaningful gift he could think of… a home.

Hot Takes

1. As a professional athlete, you can honor those who helped you. If you are going to do it, make it count.  There is nothing more inspiring than Josh Jacobs purchasing a home for the father who sacrificed so much so that Josh could see his dreams become a reality.
2. It is so refreshing that Jacobs stays positive. Jacobs is not focusing on the struggles they endured while growing up, but rather appreciating the sacrifices and struggles his father made on the road to greatness. 
3. Gratitude is inspiration.  This is the message of a son who owes it all to his father; on the video he posted his dad is in tears after Jacobs bought him the home they never had growing up.