Malcolm Jenkins is one man who has made a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL). Since he went pro in 2009, the safety has recorded great achievements which have been consistent every season and he has continued to climb up the ladder of success with at least three Pro-Bowl honors and two Super Bowl rings in his kitty.
Off the field of play, Jenkins has equally recorded success in his personal life as he is the husband to a gorgeous wife and a father to two adorable kids. All these have however not made the NFL star forget his roots or the realities of life for ordinary folks. He is therefore quite passionate about using his time, money, and star power to improve the condition of his local community.
His Impressive Track Record in High School and College
He was born on December 20, 1987, in East Orange, New Jersey. He started from a very young age to exhibit an inclination towards the game of football. Growing up in Piscataway, Malcolm attended Piscataway Township High School and played as a wide receiver and defensive back in the school’s football team. He recorded some remarkable achievements for them including leading the team to three consecutive state championships.
The young lad was also good in track and was ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. After a successful high school career, Jenkins proceeded to Ohio State University where he spent four years. As a junior in 2007, he recorded 47 tackles and 4 interceptions and was named a first-team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten. The talented player also won the Jim Thorpe Award in his senior year at Ohio State. This was after he recorded 57 tackle and three interceptions.
A Breakdown of Malcolm Jenkins’ Brilliant Run in the NFL
Malcolm Jenkins went pro in 2009 when he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (14th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. Prior to the draft, he was considered a better safety than any other position after having run a slow 40-yard dash at the Combine.
Winning the Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints
Following the 2009 NFL draft, Malcolm Jenkins signed a five-year $19 million contract with the Saints. He was then assigned to the cornerback position and made his debut in the season opener against Detroit Lions where he recorded one solo tackle. The New Jersey native continued in this fine form all throughout his rookie season and finished with 55 combined tackles (49 solo), four pass deflections, and one interception as the Saints made it all the way to Super Bowl XLIV.
In the Super Bowl game itself, Jenkins recorded five solo tackles and one pass deflection as the Saints comprehensively defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17, to clinch their first-ever Super Bowl title. Following that historic feat, Malcolm Jenkins spent four more seasons with the Saints during which he was converted to a safety. He adapted to his new position like fish to water and continued his impressive productivity. Even though the Saints did not win another Super Bowl, they nonetheless reached the divisional rounds on two occasions. He was therefore a fan favorite and many of them were saddened by the news of his departure.
Earning his Second Super Bowl Ring with The Philadelphia Eagles
After five seasons with the Saints, Malcolm Jenkins became an unrestricted free agent and went into negotiation talks with different teams. He eventually settled for the Philadelphia Eagles and joined them on March 11, 2014, on a three-year contract worth $16.25 million. In his first season, the New Jersey native recorded 80 combined tackles (64 solo), three interceptions, 15 passes and one touchdown in all 16 games and 16 starts. He then improved to 109 combined tackles (90 solo), two interceptions, and 10 pass deflections for his second season and the Eagles instantly rewarded him with a 4-year contract extension worth $35 million.
Having received such an incentive, Malcolm Jenkins continued churning out an improved output for his team and it all came to a head in the 2017 season when he helped the franchise reach the final of Super Bowl LII. In the Super Bowl game itself, the safety recorded four solo tackles and one pass deflection as The Eagles went on to defeat the New England Patriots to win their first-ever Super Bowl Trophy. Such feat led to wild celebrations in the city of Philadelphia and marked the second time that Jenkins was helping an NFL team achieve their maiden Super Bowl trophy.
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) March 18, 2020
Saying Goodbye to the Eagles and returning to the Saints
Malcolm Jenkins’ achievement with the Eagles made him one of the most beloved personalities in the city of Philadelphia and he looked set to spend the remainder of his career with the franchise. This, however, was not to be as the safety became deadlocked in contract negotiations with the franchise in 2019. He wanted a new deal that would compensate him for all he had done for the team and reflect his true value. His present contract was also running out and he desired the security of a multi-year deal but the Eagles refused to budge.
The team preferred to invest in much younger players and they were afraid that if they restructured Jenkins’ contract, other players of his age would similarly want new and improved long-term deals. They, therefore, refused to do so and it resulted in an impasse with the player missing voluntary spring workouts. He, however, returned for the compulsory minicamp in January 2020 but insisted on a new contract. That failed to materialize and by March 2020, he signed a deal to go back to the New Orleans Saints.
The Impact of his Malcolm Jenkins Foundation
Malcolm Jenkins has received numerous accolades in the course of his career and some of this has been for his charitable work. The safety is passionate about helping people and so instituted the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. This is a non-profit which is targeted at young people and provides them with life skills, mentorship programs, recreational avenues as well as health services. Since its inception in 2010, the organization has made a tangible impact across the cities of New Orleans and Philadelphia.
They have held regular college tours, youth football camps, free health screenings, and food donations. They have also given scholarships to deserving college students as well as held a campaign to reduce gun violence. All these have positively impacted their host communities and resulted in various accolades for its founder. Jenkins was nominated for the Walter Peyton Man of the Year award in 2017 and 2019. He also received the Byron White Award from his fellow NFL pros in February 2017. This was in recognition of his outstanding charitable efforts off the field of play.
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Enjoying Familial Bliss With the Three Ladies in his Life
Malcolm Jenkins may seem so busy and entangled with his professional career but like many of his counterparts he makes out time for love and family. The NFL player is happily married to Mississippi native, Morrisa Jenkins. Malcolm and Morrisa first met via mutual friends in 2008 and became pals. Their friendship later blossomed into a romance and they tied the knot in 2011.
At this time, Malcolm was playing for the Saints and their wedding was held in the warehouse district of New Orleans. It was quite a spectacular affair and came complete with a horse-drawn carriage as well as a Vera Wang wedding gown for the bride. The couple has been together ever since then and has welcomed two children together.
Their first daughter, named Elle, was born in 2013 while their second daughter, Selah, was born in 2018. Morrisa is a very selfless fellow and helps out with the work of her husband’s foundation. She is also a notable businesswoman and owner of a company, Meaux Moisture, which deals in non-toxic, clean, green, and natural body products. The company also hosts workshops on issues such as finance, fertility, and diversity.
