Even before the recent protests, Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins has been an outspoken activist for social justice and racial equality, and now the 32-year old NFL player will bring his voice to CNN.
Monday morning, CNN announced the addition of Jenkins as a contributor to a variety of network programs and content with emphasis on race relations and social justice.
“Now more than ever, the public needs to be educated on the roles of elected positions of power, such as the District Attorney, Police Chief or City Council and how to hold those individuals accountable, especially through their voice and their vote,” Jenkins said in the announcement released by Variety. “In an important election year, I’m eager to join the CNN family and share my perspective as a regular contributor. I also want to thank CNN for their thoughtful leadership in viewing professional athletes beyond their sport as another educated voice who brings a varied perspective and value to the network’s programming and shows.”
Jenkins has participated in protests for George Floyd and also offered a tearful response to his teammate Drew Brees’ for not supporting players kneeling during the national anthem, a judgment the quarterback has since apologized for. After Colin Kaepernick began kneeling for the anthem in 2016, Jenkins was inspired to raise his right fist in the air. While playing with the Eagles, Jenkins met with lawmakers to discuss criminal justice reform and even went on a ride-along with a Philadelphia police officer.
In recent years, Jenkins has written op-eds for CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Along with retired wide receiver Anquan Boldin, the two partnered in 2017 to create the Players Coalition with the purpose of ending social injustices and racial inequality.
Jenkins’ philanthropy and activist efforts also include The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, helping young people in under-served communities. Additionally, the two-time Super Bowl winner co-founded the production company Listen Up Media, which is expected to release a documentary on Black humanity in America later this year.
