Apparently, the New Orleans Saints will be Malcolm Jenkins‘ last stop in his 13-season NFL career.
Speaking with Pivot Podcast hosts and former NFL players Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder, the three-time Pro Bowl strong safety announced his retirement from the game.
Clark had nothing but kind words for his fellow defensive back, saying “Congrats brother! Welcome to the rest of your life. We know you’ll be just as amazing in your new chapter!”
Amazing is an understatement for Jenkins’ career with the Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles.
After playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the New Jersey native was drafted by the Saints in round one of the 2009 NFL Draft.
It was perfect timing for him because the Saints won XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts in his rookie season.
In that game, he had five solo tackles and a pass deflection.
Jenkins also won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles versus the New England Patriots, wherein he had four tackles and a pass deflection.
He signed a four-year, $32 million contract to return to New Orleans after six seasons with the Eagles.
But aside from team accomplishments, he also collected individual accolades, including a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2015 and a Second-Team All-Pro inclusion in 2020.
A New Era In New Orleans
Jenkins’ retirement means that no player from the 2009 Super Bowl-winning team is still with the Saints.
Quarterback Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season, and even Sean Payton stepped away from coaching after 16 seasons in New Orleans.
His former deputy, Dennis Allen, will take over his position.
Meanwhile, one of Brees’ former backups, Jameis Winston, will try to build on the 5-2 record he had before suffering an ACL injury.
The Saints are looking for a postseason return by adding safeties Marcus Maye and Daniel Sorensen and re-signing Winston and cornerback Bradley Roby.
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