Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs wears No. 28 across his chest but No. 8 around his neck.
Jacobs is superstitious with his jewelry. Before, during and after games, he wears a diamond-encrusted, 14-carat gold necklace with the No. 8 dangling close to his body. The medallion really never comes off.
"When I got to wear 8 in high school, I had a breakout year," Jacobs said, via ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "Same in college. I can't wear 8 in the league, obviously, so it's just symbolic. It's also my birth number (born in 1998), so that's kind of weird. ... It's just literally my favorite number, so I just feel like I play better with it.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE "I don't know how to explain it -- it's just something about the 8 that just, it puts me mentally in a different place. I take showers in it, everything."
Jacobs actually wore No. 28 his first three seasons for the McLain Science & Tech varsity football team before switching to No. 8 as a senior. He also didn't wear No. 8 in college until his junior year, his final season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Clearly, the No. 28 is working for Jacobs as a rookie, though, just like it did for him his first three years in high school.
[RELATED: Gruden hoping new itinerary leads to better London results]
NFL
The No. 24 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is off to a strong start in the pros. Jacobs has rushed for 307 yards while averaging 5 yards per carry through two games while scoring two touchdowns. He also has added three receptions for 57 yards.
Maybe it's the necklace, maybe not. Whatever it is, Jacobs shouldn't change a thing.