Malcolm Jenkins to Get Celebrated by Eagles in November

One of my personal favorite players of all time is getting honored this year, and while it’s with one of my favorite team’s rivals, the Eagles, I still enjoyed watching safety Malcolm Jenkins throughout his impressive career. It was recently announced that Jenkins will be inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame Class on November 8. In a touching gesture, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie invited Jenkins to the NovaCare Complex to personally share the important announcement, showcasing the deep respect the organization holds for the former safety.

Lurie had high praise for Jenkins, stating, “A captain on our first Super Bowl-winning team in 2017, Malcolm was a tenacious player who was beloved by his teammates and coaches for the thoughtful leadership and veteran presence he provided.” This quote encapsulates Jenkins’ impact beyond just his on-field performance, highlighting his character and influence within the Eagles locker room.

Jenkins arrived in Philadelphia as the team’s big-ticket free agent signing in 2014 after five seasons in New Orleans, and he immediately proved his worth. He did not disappoint the Eagles faithful, earning Pro Bowl honors three times during his tenure. To put that accomplishment into perspective, among Eagles safeties, only the legendary Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins has been selected to the Pro Bowl more times than Jenkins—a testament to his consistent excellence.

Jenkins wasn’t just a player who saw the field; he was an ironman. He started all 96 regular-season games in his six seasons in Philadelphia, a remarkable feat of durability and commitment. Even more impressively, in five of those six seasons he was on the field for an astounding 99 percent of the defensive snaps (and still managed 92 percent in the other season). He had an undeniable drive, never wanting to take a play off, whether it was during the intensity of a game or the grind of the practice field. He actively participated in special teams drills, setting a high standard of effort and dedication for his teammates to follow.

Jenkins was more than just a safety; he was a versatile chess piece on defense, capable of adapting to various roles and responsibilities. He possessed the rare ability to roam the deep part of the field as a traditional safety, blanket a receiver as a nickel defender in the slot, or fearlessly stick his nose in the run game, disrupting plays and making tackles. He was a tackling machine, consistently racking up impressive numbers, with 100 or more stops in each of his six seasons. Beyond tackles, he also contributed significantly to creating turnovers, amassing 5.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. And, of course, he was a ballhawk, possessing excellent instincts and ball skills, resulting in 11 interceptions and an impressive 77 pass deflections.

But Jenkins’ contributions extended far beyond the stat sheet. He was a respected voice in the locker room and a pillar in the Philadelphia community. He was a vocal advocate for social justice, using his platform to raise awareness and promote positive change. He demonstrated a genuine commitment to making a difference, working tirelessly to bridge divides and create opportunities for those in need. His efforts earned him recognition as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2017, honoring his outstanding community service and dedication to philanthropy.

The Eagles Hall of Fame induction is a well-deserved honor for Malcolm Jenkins. It’s a celebration of his exceptional talent, unwavering commitment, and profound impact on the team and the city of Philadelphia. His legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations of Eagles players and fans alike. While he wore the midnight green, Jenkins embodied everything you could want in a player and a person. He was a true professional, a dedicated teammate, and a champion on and off the field.