PHILADELPHIA — Former safety Malcolm Jenkins has been honored with induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute for a player whose influence in Philadelphia extended well beyond his statistics. The ceremony took place during halftime on Friday, celebrating Jenkins” contributions alongside Bucko Kilroy, a two-way lineman who was posthumously inducted.
Jenkins is revered in two cities, having contributed to the first Super Bowl victories for both the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles. He secured his first title with the Saints in the 2009-10 season and later helped the Eagles achieve their historic win in 2017-18.
Reflecting on his induction, Jenkins stated, “To be recognized as the first Eagle from that Super Bowl team to go into the Hall of Fame is not something I take lightly. That team meant so much to this city.” He played for the Eagles from 2014 to 2019 and is the first member of the 2017 Super Bowl-winning team to receive this honor.
Originally drafted by the Saints in 2009 from Ohio State, Jenkins arrived in Philadelphia as a free agent expected to bring stability to a struggling secondary. He exceeded expectations, becoming the heart of the Eagles” defense for six seasons. Jenkins never missed a start during his tenure, showcasing remarkable range, toughness, and intelligence.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jenkins was a versatile safety capable of covering tight ends, blitzing, and serving as an on-field leader for multiple defensive coordinators. His coaches relied on his ability to disguise coverages and read plays effectively.
His defining moments came during the 2017 season, where he led a defense that played a crucial role in the Eagles” Super Bowl win. Noteworthy plays included a critical red-zone stop against the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round and a standout performance in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots, highlighted by a memorable hit on Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Jenkins reminisced about his early days in Philadelphia, recalling how he would drive down Broad Street envisioning a parade. “So it was surreal to me, years later, actually living out that parade to see and witness what it meant to the city,” he said. “To share that moment with my teammates was absolutely rewarding.” He expressed gratitude for being considered among the greats, stating, “It”s been one hell of a journey, and I”m super excited and humbled to be honored in this way.”
His leadership extended beyond the field. Jenkins served as the emotional backbone of the locker room during Doug Pederson“s coaching tenure, guiding teammates through various challenges. He established himself as a role model for younger defensive backs regarding preparation and professionalism.
Off the field, Jenkins emerged as a prominent advocate for social issues, including criminal justice reform and education equity. Through the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, he launched initiatives aimed at supporting underserved youth in Philadelphia and nationwide. In 2017, he co-founded the Players Coalition, promoting social justice and player engagement across the league.
After retiring following the 2021 season, Jenkins left behind a legacy that remains influential in Philadelphia. Over his career, he accumulated 1,044 tackles, 21 interceptions, 13.5 sacks, and seven defensive touchdowns across 199 regular-season games. Ahead of the induction, he shared a heartfelt letter to fans, expressing his gratitude for their support and emphasizing the importance of commitment and leadership both on and off the field.
During the induction ceremony, Jenkins returned to Lincoln Financial Field not just as a former player but as an integral part of the team”s history, recognized for his toughness, leadership, and community contributions. Kilroy, who passed away in 2007, was represented by family members during the event, honoring his significant contributions to the Eagles.
