You might just know Malcolm Jenkins as the guy who holds his fist up during the National Anthem as a weekly protest against incidents of police brutality against African Americans.
But when it comes to community service, Jenkins is much, much more than a guy who holds his fist up.
He's always been hands-on when it comes to political and community action, and on Tuesday, Jenkins was among five NFL players that spent the day in Washington meeting with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and several members of Congress regarding race relations between police and the African-American community.
Jenkins, the Eagles’ Pro Bowl safety, was selected by Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who put together the five-player panel.
“It was an awesome opportunity,” Jenkins said after practice Wednesday. “Had an opportunity to sit down with representatives from Congress, and really the goal is to express our concerns with our communities and this country when it comes to race relations, the relationship between community and police as well as criminal justice reform.
“What we wanted to do was learn what is it they’re doing already to make some changes in that and better that and what are some things that are already in development that they’re working on that are coming down the road and also how does this new administration with (President-elect) Trump affect all the things that have been in place and that they’re trying to do.”
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Joining Boldin and and Jenkins were quarterback Josh McCown, wide receiver Andrew Hawkins of the Browns and Lions safety Glover Quin.
Jenkins, who grew up in Piscataway, just outside New Brunswick, has been active in community service since he signed with the Eagles before the 2014 season.
His own Malcolm Jenkins Foundation works to mentor youth and develop leadership skills.
He said the trip to Washington served both as a way for Jenkins and the other players to get their concerns across and also a way for them to learn how things work in Washington and how to work productively within the political structure.
“We wanted to know two things: How can we support what they’re doing and their efforts to better those relationships and get advice on what we can do as individuals in our own communities to really make an impact from a legislative standpoint and obviously with all the politics that goes along with that,” Jenkins said.
“So it was an opportunity for us to be heard and also an opportunity for us to listen to what’s going on and learn some things, learn how the process works, and we thought the message was well received.
“We got to talk to people on both sides of the table, Democrat and Republican, CBC, got a chance to hear from some reps from the Obama administration.
“So it was a good day, a full day, a lot of information, but we left feeling pretty optimistic and feeling well-informed.”
