Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Malcolm Jenkins

How Malcolm Jenkins built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Malcolm Jenkins is a retired American NFL safety. He played college football at Ohio State, where he was an All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2009, he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles (2014-2019).

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1996: Alex Molden Drafted by Saints

In 1996, Alex Molden was drafted by the Saints.

2006: First-Team All-Big Ten

In 2006, Malcolm Jenkins started all 13 games at cornerback for Ohio State, earning consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors. He finished the year with 55 tackles and four interceptions.

2007: Named First-Team All-American

In 2007, as a junior, Malcolm Jenkins recorded 47 tackles and four interceptions, earning first-team All-American honors from Pro Football Weekly and first-team All-Big Ten recognition for the second consecutive year.

2008: Won the Jim Thorpe Award

In 2008, as a senior, Malcolm Jenkins won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back, after recording 57 tackles and three interceptions.

August 9, 2009: Signed with the New Orleans Saints

On August 9, 2009, Malcolm Jenkins signed a five-year, $19 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. The contract included $11 million guaranteed and an $800,000 signing bonus, ending his 11-day training camp holdout.

September 13, 2009: Professional Debut

On September 13, 2009, Malcolm Jenkins made his professional regular season debut for the New Orleans Saints in their home-opener against the Detroit Lions, recording one solo tackle in their 45-27 victory. He made his first career tackle on running back Aaron Brown.

November 22, 2009: First Career Start and Interception

On November 22, 2009, Malcolm Jenkins earned his first career start and recorded seven combined tackles, two pass deflections, and his first career interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 38-7 victory.

December 27, 2009: Season-High Tackles

On December 27, 2009, Malcolm Jenkins made a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) in the Saints' 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2009: Considered a Top Defensive Back

In 2009, Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis were considered the top two defensive backs available in the NFL draft. Jenkins drew comparisons to Terence Newman.

2009: Drafted by the New Orleans Saints

In 2009, the New Orleans Saints selected Malcolm Jenkins in the first round (14th overall) of the NFL draft. He was the first cornerback drafted by the Saints in the first round since 1996.

January 16, 2010: First Playoff Game

On January 16, 2010, Malcolm Jenkins appeared in his first career playoff game as the Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 in the NFC Divisional Round.

February 7, 2010: Super Bowl XLIV Appearance

On February 7, 2010, Malcolm Jenkins appeared in Super Bowl XLIV and recorded four solo tackles and a pass deflection in the Saints' 31-17 victory against the Indianapolis Colts.

May 8, 2010: Transition to Safety

On May 8, 2010, head coach Sean Payton officially announced that Malcolm Jenkins would transition to the safety position during training camp.

November 25, 2010: Forced Fumble and Recovery

On November 25, 2010, Malcolm Jenkins forced a fumble by Roy Williams and recovered it, leading to a touchdown and a 30-27 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. Head coach Sean Payton called Jenkins' performance "one of those plays that inspires everybody on the team".

December 12, 2010: First Career Touchdown and Second Defensive Player of the Week Award

On December 12, 2010, Malcolm Jenkins had a season-high of three pass deflections and two interceptions, including a 96-yard pick-six against Sam Bradford, scoring his first career touchdown in a 31-13 victory against the St. Louis Rams. He earned his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance.

December 26, 2011: Fumble Recovery for Touchdown

On December 26, 2011, Malcolm Jenkins recovered a fumble forced by Scott Shanle and returned it for a 30-yard touchdown in a 45-16 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, marking his second career touchdown.

2011: Saints Finish First in NFC South

In 2011, the New Orleans Saints finished first in the NFC South with a 13-3 record.

January 7, 2012: First Playoff Game Start

On January 7, 2012, Malcolm Jenkins had his first career start in a playoff game, making five combined tackles during a 45-28 win against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Game.

January 14, 2012: NFC Divisional Round

On January 14, 2012, Malcolm Jenkins started in the NFC Divisional Round, making eight solo tackles, a pass deflection, and sacking quarterback Alex Smith as the Saints lost 36-32 at the San Francisco 49ers.

November 5, 2012: Season-High Tackles

On November 5, 2012, Malcolm Jenkins collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (seven solo) in the Saints' 28-13 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.

October 13, 2013: Career-High Sacks

On October 13, 2013, Malcolm Jenkins recorded eight combined tackles, a pass deflection, and earned a career-high 1½ sacks on Tom Brady during a 30-27 loss at the New England Patriots.

January 11, 2014: Last Game as Saint

On January 11, 2014, Malcolm Jenkins played in his last game as a member of the Saints, recording five combined tackles during a 23-15 loss at the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.

March 11, 2014: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 11, 2014, Malcolm Jenkins signed a three-year, $15.50 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. The contract included $8.50 million guaranteed, $6.00 million guaranteed upon signing, and an initial signing bonus of $5.00 million.

September 28, 2014: Pick Six Against 49ers

On September 28, 2014, Malcolm Jenkins recorded seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by Colin Kaepernick for a 53-yard touchdown during a 26-21 loss against the San Francisco 49ers. The pick six marked his third touchdown of his career and was his third consecutive game with an interception.

2014: Previous Contract

In 2014, Malcolm Jenkins had a year remaining on his previous contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

December 28, 2015: Chip Kelly Fired

On December 28, 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles fired head coach Chip Kelly after finishing Week 16 with a 6–9 record.

2015: Career-High Performance and Ranking

In 2015, Malcolm Jenkins finished with a career-high 109 combined tackles, ten pass deflections, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Pro Football Focus gave Jenkins an overall grade of 85.8, which ranked second among all qualifying safeties.

February 22, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Philadelphia Eagles

On February 22, 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Malcolm Jenkins to a four–year, $35.00 million contract extension that included $21.00 million guaranteed.