Sports
Eagles Moving On From Star Malcolm Jenkins
A hero of the 2018 Super Bowl champion team and an iconic part of the Eagles franchise, Malcolm Jenkins, is moving on.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A hero of the 2018 Super Bowl champion team, Malcolm Jenkins, will not be returning to the Eagles next season, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon, as they declined to pick up his contract option for 2020-21. The decision comes on the eve of NFL free agency, which begins Wednesday, March 18.
The 32-year-old safety has spent the bulk of his career with the Birds, earning three Pro Bowl appearances since he arrived in Philadelphia in 2014. He was a force for the Eagles during several of their playoff runs.
"I'm usually a man with a lot to say," Jenkins wrote in a message he published on social media channels. "I take pride in my ability to articulate my thoughts and feelings. But.... today the words are escaping me."
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"I'm grateful to Mr. Lurie for the opportunity to represent this city," he continued. "I thank my teammates for making me better every single day. I thank the warriors in this community that fight for a better Philadelphia. And I thank the fan base for embracing me as your own. I hope that I am leaving having given more than I have received. That has always been my mission and I hope I represented you all well. Also, this is my home so I'm sure you'll see me around. So this is not good, but I'll see you later."
The decision by the Eagles Tuesday did not escape the notice of another legendary Eagles safety, Brian Dawkins, who addressed a Twitter message to a group of former Eagles who will not be returning.
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"THANK U, collectively & individually for all you have done," Dawkins wrote. "Your leadership was paramount, whether vocally, in actions, behind the scenes, or in servitude, it was found in this group. Be Blessed, Gentlemen."
"One of the greatest to ever wear midnight green," the Eagles said in a statement. "Thank you, Malcolm Jenkins."
During the 2018 Super Bowl, Jenkins played a crucial role, recording four tackles and blocking a key pass.
Jenkins was one of the few Eagles regulars who finished the 2019-20 season healthy, playing in all 16 games.
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