Introduction
Benjamin Jacobs (born April 17, 1988) is an American football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for Fresno State, where he tied an NCAA record by forcing three fumbles in a single game.
Professional career
Cleveland Browns
Jacobs signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on July 30, 2011. He was released during final roster cuts and on September 5, 2011 was signed to the Browns' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 29, 2011. He played in five games as a rookie but didn't register any stats.
In 2012, Jacobs was once again waived by the Browns during roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad. He was released by the Browns on October 9, 2012.
Cincinnati Bengals
Jacobs was signed to the Bengals practice squad on November 12, 2012 but was released on November 27, 2012.
Carolina Panthers
On May 13, 2013, Jacobs was signed by the Panthers. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2013 and was signed to the Panthers' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 5, 2013 but was released two days later and re-signed back to the practice squad, where he spent the rest of the season.
The following season in 2014, Jacobs played in all 16 regular season games leading the team with nine special teams tackles and one on defense.
In 2015, Jacobs played in 16 games recording seven tackles on defense and eight on special teams. He played in all three postseason games including the Super Bowl loss to the Broncos and recorded two special teams tackles.
On September 3, 2016, Jacobs was placed on injured reserve after suffering a quad injury in the preseason but was released the following day. He was re-signed by the team on December 9, 2016.