November 14, 2015
Michael Conroy/AP
In 2014, Malcolm Jenkins had three interceptions. He was in position to make more.
The Philadelphia Eagles may not be getting much attention in early Pro Bowl voting, but safety Malcolm Jenkins has undoubtedly been a star on and off the field.
The founder of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, who held two upscale events this month to raise money for youth programming, was named the Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP.
A native of Piscataway, New Jersey, Jenkins spent five seasons with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Eagles in 2014. The safety and leader of the Eagles secondary hosted the second annual Blitz, Bow-Ties and Bourbon event on November 2 at Union Trust, featuring live music, tastings from top Philadelphia restaurants and a VIP bourbon tasting.
In an interview during the event, Jenkins talked about how his foundation aims to import year-round educational programs he started in New Orleans to Philadelphia. For the past two years, in partnership with Feeding the Children, Jenkins has held the Get Ready Fest to provide food, clothing and health services to more than 3,000 attendees.
To help support the foundation, Jenkins has arranged to have money donated for each interception he makes and each bow tie he sells from his own clothing line, Rock Avenue Bow Ties.
In the Big Easy, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation continues to hold the Taste of New Orleans fundraiser alongside Saints safety Jairus Byrd. The event funds Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S, a leadership curriculum that provides scholarships for New Orleans youth. Jenkins, an Ohio State graduate, has also held events in Columbus and Piscataway.
“I recognize the many challenges that today’s young people tackle,” Jenkins said. “With the Foundation, I aspire to empower youth around the nation - in particular, those in the cities and states in which I have lived.”
