MALCOLM JENKINS Q&A PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Dating back to his time at Ohio State where he was honored with the Jesse Owens Award, Malcolm Jenkins has made it a priority to set a positive example for others. Through his play on the field, his commitment to the community through the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, and his work with Pop Warner, Malcolm has helped bring to life so much of what makes sports so special. We’re proud to call him a Pop Warner alumni.

We recently asked Malcolm a few questions about his time playing football for Pop Warner and how that experience helped shape him into who he is today. Here’s what he had to say:

How did you get involved with Pop Warner and how long did you play for?

MALCOLM: My dad signed me up when I was 8 years old and I played for five years.

What is your favorite Pop Warner memory?

MALCOLM: At the end of the games we’d shake hands and my favorite part of the day was the race to the concession stands! I’ll also never forget the first time I was in the newspaper for playing Pop Warner.

Tell us a little bit about your Pop Warner team.

MALCOLM: I played for the Piscataway Braves in Piscataway, New Jersey. We wore black and gold just like the high school team—we always wanted to be like them (they were the Chiefs and we were the Braves). Our biggest rival was the Franklin Warriors.

Are you still in touch with any of your Pop Warner teammates?

MALCOLM: Yes, I still have many friends that were teammates back in the day.

Is there anything you learned playing Pop Warner that you’ve carried with you through adulthood (and into your NFL career)?

MALCOLM: I learned that the game of football, while it can be ultra competitive, should be played to have fun. And I’m still having fun some 23 years later!