Malcolm Jenkins' Sharp Eye Shines Through in Photography

Malcolm Jenkins: A Life Beyond Football

Malcolm Jenkins, a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler, is set to be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame this November. Known for his ability to play any position that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz asked him to, Jenkins showcased versatility on the field. However, his identity extends far beyond football. His passions include poetry, art, and various other pursuits that he has nurtured over the years.

In college, Jenkins faced skepticism from NFL scouts who viewed his diverse interests as a drawback. The perception was that while he was a great leader and skilled player, there was uncertainty about whether he could be coachable given his intelligence and off-field hobbies. This skepticism followed him throughout his career, but Jenkins eventually embraced his multifaceted nature.

Initially, Jenkins tried to conform to expectations by hiding his artistic side. However, as his career progressed, he began to speak out about social issues and share more aspects of his life, including his art collection and writing. Now, in retirement, Jenkins is showcasing his versatility through a range of endeavors.

He runs The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, which focuses on educating children on financial literacy and other career pathways. He also has a bourbon line, founded Malcolm Inc., a holding company, collects art, writes a Substack titled "Love, Art, & War," and owns a media company. Last Sunday, Jenkins was on the Eagles’ sideline not as a player or coach, but as a photographer, highlighting his ever-expanding portfolio.

Jenkins finds energy in learning new things, drawing parallels between football and life. He approaches each new challenge with the same mindset he had on the field—evaluating, preparing, and adapting. This approach has allowed him to explore various areas, from art to business, and to continually grow.

Blending Creativity and Football

Jenkins' passion for learning stems from his father, Lee, who instilled in him the importance of understanding the "why" behind everything. Growing up in Piscataway, N.J., Jenkins was exposed to a variety of activities, including art and creative writing. His aunt, Cynthia Vaughn, an artist, played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for the arts. At Piscataway High School, Jenkins took a creative writing class and found a love for poetry.

His early experiences with poetry were met with mixed reactions. While some saw it as a gimmick, others recognized his talent. This duality continued into his college years at Ohio State, where he faced similar skepticism about his non-football pursuits. Despite this, Jenkins persisted, eventually finding inspiration in athletes like Larry Fitzgerald and Marques Colston, who balanced their careers with personal interests.

Fitzgerald's dedication to art and travel, and Colston's entrepreneurial ventures, showed Jenkins that it was possible to excel in multiple areas. These influences helped shape his perspective on balancing life beyond sports.

Setting an Example

As Jenkins built his football career, he remained mindful of the dualities he experienced. However, he wanted to ensure he was established enough as a player to fully pursue and share his passions. This moment came in 2016 when Jenkins joined Colin Kaepernick in protesting police violence against Black Americans. This experience marked a turning point, leading Jenkins to co-found the Players Coalition and use his platform to advocate for change.

Gradually, Jenkins began to share more about himself, founding Listen Up Media in 2018 and investing in a Philadelphia Millstone Spirits Group. After retiring in 2022, he expanded into photography, creating a Substack and exploring new creative avenues. These pursuits are all connected through storytelling, aiming to inspire the next generation and underserved communities.

Jenkins' foundation focuses on promoting value beyond traditional career paths, challenging the notion that only certain professions hold worth. By example, he seeks to show that diverse interests can contribute meaningfully to society.

Exploring New Horizons

Last year, while on vacation with his kids, Jenkins began photographing compelling images, focusing on self-exploration rather than results. A conversation with his father revealed a deeper connection to his interest in buildings, stemming from his father's unfulfilled dream of becoming an architect. This revelation highlighted the importance of self-scouting, a skill Jenkins learned from football.

Immersing himself in photography, Jenkins upgraded his equipment and studied tutorials, eventually capturing games and events. His recent role as a photographer at Lincoln Financial Field has surprised many, but Jenkins sees it as a natural progression of his journey.

While opportunities in broadcasting or coaching may arise in the future, Jenkins is content with his current path. He values the challenges and growth that come with exploring new areas, ensuring that his efforts are uniquely his own.

"I think it’s scary for me to not be challenged," Jenkins said. "And that’s not to say that broadcasting or coaching wouldn’t be challenging. I just think that there are many avenues right now that aren’t good timing."