Former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins has been an advocate for racial equality and social justice for years.
Now he’ll have an even bigger platform.
Jenkins, 32, has been hired by CNN as a contributor to speak on national matters of racial and social injustice.
Jenkins is expected to contribute to several CNN programs and other content.
Now more than ever, the public needs to be educated on the roles of elected positions of power, such as the District Attorney, Police Chief or City Council and how to hold those individuals accountable, especially through their voice and their vote,” Jenkins said in a statement.
“In an important election year, I’m eager to join the CNN family and share my perspective as a regular contributor. I also want to thank CNN for their thoughtful leadership in viewing professional athletes beyond their sport as another educated voice who brings a varied perspective and value to the network’s programming and shows.
Jenkins is now a member of the New Orleans Saints but continues to live in Philadelphia and was marching in the city during recent protests. He was also the commencement speaker for Philadelphia Public Schools’ virtual graduation last week.
During his six years as an Eagle, Jenkins was a three-time Pro Bowler but he has become known just as much for his charitable work and activism in his community. His foundation, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, gives back to youth in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Louisiana.
NFL
With Anquan Boldin in 2017, he helped form the Players Coalition, which aims to end systemic racism and police brutality. The Players Coalition just last week collected over 1,400 signatures from active and retired sports figures in a letter to congress in support of a bill to end qualified immunity.
Jenkins was among a group of NFL players that demonstrated during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice. Jenkins raised his fist, but stopped those demonstrations in 2018 and said he wanted to shift the conversation away from those specific demonstrations and back to the issues behind them.
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