Eagles' Safety Malcolm Jenkins Cherishing First Pro Bowl Appearance
PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS) — In seven years in the NFL, Malcolm Jenkins has done it all. He won playoff games and the Super Bowl his rookie year with the New Orleans Saints (along with Philly native Jahri Evans). He played an important role in the Eagles winning the NFC East in his first year in Philadelphia.
However, there was one thing missing that had been gnawing at him—and that's never playing in the Pro Bowl.
Jenkins could now check that box off, after getting the call Tuesday night that he's been named to the game. It's a celebration—and a reward—for his best season as a pro.
And Jenkins deserves it.
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In 2015, he made a team-high 109 tackles (90 solo, 19 assists), 23 more than the nearest Eagle, linebacker Mychal Kendricks (86-64 solo, 22 assists) this year. The total is a career-best. Jenkins' next highest personal total came in 2012 with the Saints, when he made 94 stops.
"For me, it was unexpected, because at this point, I gave up on it, not thinking I was going to be in (the Pro Bowl)," said Jenkins, who arrived in Hawaii on Wednesday afternoon. "This is something that was great news and it was very rewarding.
"Every year I set goals, whether they are team goals or individual goals. We all play to win championships and win games, but it's also nice to be recognized individually. Making the Pro Bowl has been on my list every year and up until now had gone unchecked. It was a huge accomplishment for me, because I put a lot of work into this game. It's something no one can take away from you. It's definitely rewarding. That stat is always something on your resume."
Jenkins said his plans are to enjoy the entire weekend. His wife and daughter will be joining him later on Wednesday.
Jenkins said the only drawback is that he's not a big fan of Hawaiian shirts.
Jenkins will be joining Eagles' teammates Darren Sproles and Fletcher Cox for Sunday's Pro Bowl game, with the New York Giants Odell Beckham Jr. and Aaron Donald selecting one team and Devonta Freeman and Geno Atkins choosing the other tonight.
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The Eagles safety received a great outpouring from the Eagles organization, past and present, congratulating him. He's recognized as one of the team's leaders and has a strong reputation among his teammates. Even former Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis reached out to pass along a "well done."
Chip Kelly, however, did not.
Jenkins didn't take offense to not hearing from Kelly. In his typical classy way, Jenkins simply said with Kelly taking over as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, he has a lot of things on his plate these days.
