Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy were inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame during halftime of the game on Friday night. Jenkins, a former safety and community leader, was celebrated for his significant contributions to two franchises, having helped both the New Orleans Saints and the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl titles.
Jenkins, who played for the Eagles from 2014 to 2019, is the first member of the 2017 Super Bowl-winning team to receive this honor. “I didn”t even realize that at first, when I first got the call,” 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. There were so many leaders and players on that team that contributed. It”s a huge, huge honor, and it”s extremely humbling.”
Originally drafted by the Saints out of Ohio State in 2009, Jenkins arrived in Philadelphia as a free agent, expected to enhance a struggling secondary. However, he exceeded those expectations, becoming the backbone of the Eagles” defense for six seasons. Jenkins played every defensive snap, showcasing remarkable range, toughness, and intelligence. He never missed a start during his time with the Eagles.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jenkins was a versatile safety capable of performing multiple roles, including covering tight ends, blitzing, and acting as a field general. His defining moment came during the Eagles” championship season in 2017 when he led a defense that played a critical role in clinching the franchise”s first Super Bowl title. His memorable hit on Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks in Super Bowl LII remains one of the most iconic defensive plays in franchise history.
Reflecting on his journey, Jenkins shared, “So it was surreal to me, years later, actually living out that parade to see and witness what it meant to the city, what it meant to this fan base, what it meant to this organization.” He expressed gratitude for being inducted alongside players he admired as a child, acknowledging the collective efforts of coaches, teammates, and fans throughout his career.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Jenkins was a vital leader in the locker room during his tenure, guiding younger players and helping navigate challenges faced by the team. Off the field, he became a prominent advocate for social justice issues, founding the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation to support underserved youth. He also co-founded the Players Coalition to promote social justice initiatives across the league.
After retiring following the 2021 season, Jenkins left behind a legacy that remains strong in Philadelphia, concluding his career with 1,044 tackles, 21 interceptions, 13.5 sacks, and seven defensive touchdowns over 199 regular-season games.
During the induction ceremony, Jenkins expressed his appreciation in a letter to fans, stating, “You made it clear that if I was going to be considered great in this city, I had to earn it every single day.” He emphasized the importance of embodying the values of grit, passion, justice, and family that he believes Eagles players should represent.
Bucko Kilroy, who was inducted posthumously, played 13 seasons with the Eagles and contributed to their NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. His family attended the ceremony to honor his legacy.
On this special night, Jenkins returned to Lincoln Financial Field not just as a former player, but as an integral part of the Eagles” history, exemplifying toughness, leadership, and a lasting impact on the community.
