As a defensive back in the NFL, Malcolm Jenkins is paid to take away from opposing offenses.But giving back is what fuels his life.Jenkins started his own non-profit organization, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, to help bring about positive change in the lives of underserved communities by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences to help them succeed in life. Guided by the core values of integrity, service, community and fiscal accountability, the foundation aims to be an organization that provides a positive and lasting impact to the communities it serves in New Jersey, Louisiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.It was those values instilled in Jenkins by his parents, coaches, teachers, mentors and the church at a young age that drove Jenkins to succeed professionally as an athlete and entrepreneur. He wants to help others in need of that same type of support growing up to inspire them to become successful adults.
To date, the Jenkins Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships through the Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S program (Reinforcing Education With Activities, Recreation and Developmental Supports) with a four-year life skills curriculum, a program more than 200 students participate in each year. Of the 72 graduating high school seniors to receive scholarships through the Foundation, just under half are first generation college students.In addition to his Foundation, Jenkins has also spearheaded a Cease Fire Campaign to reduce gun violence in New Orleans while helping support to families affected by Hurricane Katrina.Jenkins attended Piscataway Township (New Jersey) high school and helped the football team win three consecutive state titles as a defensive back and wide receiver while also capturing a state track and field title in the 400 meters during his junior year. He was recruited by Ohio State and capped off a four-year career by winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football.A first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2009, Jenkins helped New Orleans capture a Super Boow title during his rookie season. After five years with the Saints, Jenkins moved to the Philadelphia Eagles where he earned his first Pro Bowl nomination in 2015. Of his 14 career interceptions, Jenkins has returned six of them for a touchdown.You can support your favorite nominee in this campaign by favoriting, donating, tweeting and joining his/her team with a chance to be recognized as one of his/her top supporters. Starting Friday, June 9, you can also come back daily to “Boost” your favorite nominee. Fans receive points for joining a team, donating, tweeting, boosting or responding to “ do-gooder challenges”.The direct link to Malcolm’s page is https://asu.givkwik.com/MalcolmJenkinsAbout the award: Started in 2013 by Alan Pavlosky and Scott Manthorne, Co-Founders of All Sports United, the Most Valuable Philanthropist seeks to recognize the effort of deserving sports philanthropists each year and bring positive news while highlighting the amazing charitable work of many in the sports community. The winner of the award will receive $10,000 to his or her charity of choice. The campaign is supported by technology partners Givkwik and xocial. Each of the partners plays a crucial role in executing the campaign. Special Thanks to All Sports United Supporter Jeff Tutor for his contributions to the campaign. This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 at 10:36 pm by By Erik Erlendsson http://allsportsunited.org/news/malcom-jenkins/
Malcolm Jenkins maintains strong commitment to New Orleans' youth
Malcolm Jenkins' last trip to New Orleans was in the aftermath of violence.He stood at a podium to deliver a tribute for Will Smith at the funeral of his former New Orleans Saints teammate, Ohio State brother and good friend. It was moving. It was heartfelt. It was somber.The tragic ending is one more reason why Jenkins hasn't surrendered on his mission for The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation in New Orleans."Violence and crime happen every single day (in New Orleans)," Jenkins told me earlier this week. "Sometimes it takes those highly visible figures or something to make some realize what's happening every single day. It's really affecting our youth. It's not just adults dealing with this. It's our teenagers. "A lot of it is because they don't know they have other options. They've never seen any other options or any other ways to do things." Jenkins started the charity in 2010 while with the Saints to help supply New Orleans' youth with an avenue away from potential crime and violence. He wanted a route for those who wouldn't have dreamed about college to receive the necessary skills to make it there.
Jenkins will give another speech in New Orleans at Dillard on Thursday evening. This one will be more about hope and triumph. This one will be a victory speech over crime and violence.Through the foundation's Project REWARDS program and in collaboration with College Track New Orleans, Jenkins will award a round of scholarships for the fifth consecutive year to a selection of graduating seniors. It's the third round of scholarships doled out since Jenkins signed with Philadelphia in 2014."Obviously when I left New Orleans, I wanted to make sure everything stayed in tact," Jenkins said. "I don't see that changing. We started in New Orleans because we saw that there was a need. Just because I leave doesn't mean that the need leaves. So it's important for us to stay in the community and continue to help."It's a city that I love and that's supported me. I just try to do my part to give back."Someone like Troy Simon is exactly why Jenkins continues his efforts in earnest.Simon also will be a keynote speaker with Jenkins at Thursday's event. Simon was a member of the first group to receive a scholarship in 2012.Simon himself sometimes wonders how he's advanced this far.He didn't learn to read until he was an early teenager. As First Lady Michelle Obama described, Simon "would regularly cut school because the other students would tease him. When he did attend, he'd shove desks, start fights -- anything to get him out of class." Simon didn't want others knowing he couldn't read.Why does the First Lady know Simon's story? Read full article>>>
