Strong safety Malcolm Jenkins announced his retirement from the NFL in his recent guesting on the Pivot Podcast with Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder.
He had no reservations about his decision because he revealed it with a smile on his face.
That look means that he is content with what he has done during his 13 seasons with the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles.
After all, he has collected both individual and team accomplishments.
Jenkins was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams, and his first was with the Saints during his rookie season in 2009.
Eight seasons later, he was also instrumental in giving the Eagles their first Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
In those two games, the former Ohio State standout had nine tackles and two passes defended.
Aside from championships, Jenkins was also Pro Bowler during the 2015, 2017, and 2018 seasons.
But take away all those merits and Jenkins has been one of the most reliable players in the NFL, as ESPN’s Field Yates pointed out.
Malcolm Jenkins was awesome in so many ways. I hope we don't take for granted his reliability as a player.
From November 2013 until his retirement, he missed ONE game (due to COIVD).
He once played 2,651 straight snaps, an unbelievable number, especially for a safety.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 30, 2022
Yates tweeted, “From November 2013 until his retirement, he missed ONE game (due to COIVD). He once played 2,651 straight snaps, an unbelievable number, especially for a safety.”
An Iron Man On Defense
If there’s much talk about Brett Favre‘s consecutive games streak, Jenkins also deserves the same conversation.
Favre had offensive lineman protecting him, while Jenkins had to run around on every snap, especially when the opposing team goes for a deep pass.
Likewise, safeties have to cover a ton of space, and shifting their feet on a dime can wreck their knees or ankles.
Jenkins’ 2,651 straight snaps is purely mind-boggling and might be tough to match.
He was also a dependable veteran who had to miss a game because he had no choice.
He hopes that his leadership by example will inspire current Saints safeties Marcus Maye, Daniel Sorensen, J.T. Gray, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
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