Joe Jacoby wasn’t supposed to make it into the NFL. Undrafted in 1981 and nearly cut in his first training camp, Jacoby turned that doubt into one of the league’s greatest success stories. A founding member of the legendary “Hogs” offensive line, he became a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and one of the most respected linemen of his era. Towering at 6’7” and built for punishment, Jacoby anchored Washington’s offense for over a decade, proving that determination and toughness often outshine pedigree.
| Position | Left, Right Tackle |
| Born | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Date-of-Birth | July 6, 1959 |
| Height | 6’7? |
| Weight | 310 lbs |
| College | Louisville |
| NFL Career | 13 seasons |
| Teams | Washington 1981-1993 |
Career Highlights
• High school All-American at Louisville’s Western High
• Captain of the University of Louisville team that went to the 1980 Independence Bowl
• Signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent in 1981
• Was one of eighteen offensive linemen at the Redskins 1981 training camp
• First ever Redskins offensive lineman to score a touchdown (fell on a fumble in the end zone vs. Minnesota, 1984)
• Four Super Bowl appearances
• Was a member of all three Washington Super Bowl winning teams
Awards
• Voted to four straight Pro Bowls from 1983-1986
• Four-time All-Madden Team Selection (1984, 1985, 1987, 1991)
• Named to the All-Madden Super Bowl Team
• Inducted into the University of Louisville’s Hall of Fame in 2004
• One of only 12 Louisville players to have thir jersey honored in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium
• Inducted into Kentucky’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999
Joe Jacoby Was The Legend That Almost Wasn’t
At 6’7″ and nearly 300 pounds, Joe Jacoby always stood out. Born on July 6, 1959, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was destined for greatness in the world of football.
He entered high school at 6’2″ and 210 pounds and never really worked on his strength. He attended Western High School, where his athletic prowess began to shine. Joe was a prep All-American in both football and basketball.
At his hometown college, Louisville, he was an offensive tackle from 1978 to 1980. Despite the team’s modest record of 16–16 during his tenure, Jacoby’s individual performance was exceptional. He was a three-year letterman and served as a co-captain in his senior year. His leadership and skills on the field ultimately earned him a spot in the University of Louisville’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.
he just went through the motions when it came to weight training and instead relied on his sheer bulk for blocking ability. He was an offensive tackle there from 1978 to 1980. Despite the team’s modest record of 16–16 during his tenure, Jacoby’s individual performance was exceptional. He was a three-year letterman and served as a co-captain in his senior year. His leadership and skills on the field ultimately earned him a spot in the University of Louisville’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004
The Visit
After his senior season, he was visited by the great Joe Bugel. Despite Jacoby’s successes, he just went through the motions when it came to weight training. He was (incredibly) able to rely on his sheer bulk for blocking. Buges was there to warn him that his sheer size wouldn’t cut it in the NFL. He explained that JJ had a chance to make it in the league, but that he must get bigger and stronger.
Jacoby started lifting weights three days a week and started running stands. Four months later when he went to Redskin mini-camp, he had increased his bench from 300 to 400 pounds. He had also put on 30 pounds, from 275 to 305 pounds. Lastly, maybe most impressively, he had increased his quickness and was running the 40 in 5 seconds flat.
Joe Jacoby And His First NFL Camp
Jacoby was the final piece of the Hogs puzzle at the 1981 training camp. A giant raw-talented rookie free agent, Jacoby walked into Coach Gibbs office looking for a job. Gibbs, figuring Jacoby was a defensive tackle, because of his size, agreed to give him a chance.
Apparently it didn’t sit well with Gibbs that Bugel hadn’t corrected the error and allowed Jacoby to come to camp with 17 other offensive linemen.
Things didn’t start off that well for Big Jake either. Jacoby has said that Gibbs did his best to try and find a way to cut him right away. But didn’t.
Then, the team went 0-5 under Gibbs during his first season as Washington’s head coach.
But that’s just how it began. It ended far sweeter. It culminated in Jacoby being the left tackle of the original Hogs. Along with George Starke, Russ Grimm, Mark May and Jeff Bostic, Jacoby made up what was at that time – the biggest line in NFL history.
Here Come The Hogs
By the next training camp Bugel had stuck the “Hogs” moniker on his young linemen. Over the next two seasons the entire unit would miss a combined total of just one game. Grimm and Jacoby even roomed together for a few years – in an apartment decorated with pizza boxes and fast-food bags.
The Hogs became a powerful, cohesive unit that provided big holes for John Riggins and pass protection for Joe Theismann. After nearly being cut in his first training camp, Jacoby went on to become a 4-time Pro Bowler.
Joe Jacoby And Success
The staying power of the Hogs was their success. Jacoby, along with the other Hogs, were the blocking force behind six of Washington’s greatest offensive seasons (1983, 1991, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1987), and they blocked for 13 different backs rushing for 100+ yards in a game 65 times.
The Redskins won the Super Bowl in 1982 behind a running game that featured Washington’s most famous play, the counter trey, and it was run over Jacoby’s side. Jacoby was the lead blocker on John Riggins’ famous touchdown run which ensured the Redskins’ Super Bowl XVII win over the Dolphins in 1983. In that game, the Redskins set a Super Bowl record for most rushing yards with 276. The Hogs helped the Redskins break that record five years later in Super Bowl XXII, in which Washington trampled over the Denver Broncos with 280 rushing yards en route to the second of the Redskins’ three championships.
The Redskins were also the top team in the NFL and made it to the Super Bowl in 1983/84, only to be upset by the Raiders. This marked the first of the four straight trips to the Pro Bowl for Jacoby (1983-1986).
In total, Jacoby and the other Hogs, led the Redskins to four Super Bowls in a 10-year span and dominated the 1980s.
Accolades
Over his 13-season career with the Redskins, Jacoby played in 170 games, starting 148. That ranks 11th all-time for Washington. He earned three First-Team All-Pro selections in 1983, 1984, and 1987 as well as the four Pro Bowls. Jacoby’s contributions were pivotal in the Redskins’ successes.
The dominant force on the Washington Redskins offensive line for years, he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Despite the All-Pro honors and winning three Super Bowl titles, Jacoby remains the only offensive tackle from that prestigious All-Decade Team not yet inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Life After Football For Joe Jacoby
Upon retiring from professional football in 1993, Jacoby transitioned into the business world. He opened a Chrysler/Jeep dealership in Warrenton, Virginia, which he later expanded to include a Dodge franchise . His dealership became a significant part of the local community, employing numerous staff and contributing to the local economy.
In addition to his business endeavors, Jacoby pursued a career in coaching. He began as an assistant football coach at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, in 2008, initially as a part-time volunteer. By 2009, he was hired as a full-time employee, where he made a notable impact on the team’s performance . In 2014, Jacoby took on the role of offensive line coach at Concordia University Chicago, furthering his commitment to developing young talent and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game.
Legacy and Recognition
Jacoby’s influence extends beyond his playing and coaching careers. His dedication to the sport and his community has left an indelible mark. He is a perpetual finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the game.
Through his journey from a promising young athlete in Louisville to a Super Bowl champion and respected businessman and coach, Joe Jacoby’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy continues to inspire those who strive to make a difference both on and off the field.
After such a long NFL career, he has the usual ailments – two surgically repaired ankles, major knee problem, ailing left elbow and two bad discs in his back. Jacoby lives on a 40-acre spread outside of Warrenton with his wife Irene.
You can find him on Twitter.
Career Statistics
| Year | GP | GS | OWR | TD |
| 1981 | 14 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1982 | 9 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1983 | 16 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1984 | 16 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1985 | 12 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1986 | 16 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1987 | 12 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1988 | 16 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1989 | 10 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1990 | 16 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1991 | 16 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1992 | 13 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1993 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
| Totals | 170 | 0 | 0 | |
| OWR – Fumbles by own team recovered | ||||
Full Career Statistics at Pro Football Reference