Malcolm Jenkins’ Silent Interview Speaks Louder Than Words

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NFL

A Silent Interview That Doesn’t Need An Explanation

Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins continues to raise awareness in unique ways. He raised a closed fist during the regular season whenever the national anthem played on Sundays and Mondays right before kickoff. Off the field, Jenkins has spoken with inmates to learn about their lives and help them restart their lives. His latest approach? A silent interview.

Jenkins is all about raising awareness. His alma mater Ohio State allowed him to speak to athletes about social change last year in April. He has visited Capitol Hill for discussions about what can be done to help bring changes to the criminal justice system.

It doesn’t stop there. What about when Jenkins won the Byron “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year award for his work in the community? That was two seasons ago. Remember when he helped convince the NFL into donating close to $100 million on social causes? You should, that was just this past season. The list is ongoing.

It’s All About Shifting The Focus Back To What’s Really Important

President Donald Trump stunned the sports world yesterday when he rescinded the Eagles’ White House invitation. The President tweeted from his account about the decision. His tweet said only a small number of players were planning on visiting the White House and that’s why the event was canceled.

The tweet also mentioned that staying in the locker room for the playing of the national anthem is as disrespectful as kneeling. It’s important to note that not one single Eagles player took a knee this past regular season or postseason.

Jenkins’ silent interview was about shifting the focus back on what’s really important. For instance, the racial inequality in our nation, our flawed criminal system and to shed light on all the positive things that NFL players do for their communities.

The Message Is There For Anyone That’s Willing To Acknowledge It

It all started with Colin Kaepernick back in 2016. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback started a movement by refusing to stand during the Star-Spangled Banner at the beginning of preseason. Kaepernick’s sit-downs didn’t last long as he switched to kneeling in the last game of the preseason.

Why did Kaepernick switch to kneeling? He wanted to clarify to people that the purpose of his protest wasn’t to disrespect the U.S. military or any of its members. The protest is about exposing the oppression and discrimination that people of color face in our country.

In fact, Kaepernick’s kneeling method was suggested by U.S. military veteran Nate Boyer who eventually persuaded Kaepernick to alter his protesting method. It happened after the two decided to meet and have a conversation about his protests.

Jenkins And Kaepernick Have Different Methods To Raise Awareness

Unfortunately, one thing that always gets lost is the message. Although, it’s true that Jenkins and Kaepernick are fighting the same fight. It doesn’t mean they’re fighting it the same way. Kaepernick decided to kneel during the national anthem to raise awareness and that was his personal decision.

Jenkins instead chose to raise a closed fist as Tommie Smith did in the 1968 Summer Olympics. What’s the purpose behind the closed fist? You catch my drift. The Eagles are a team that prides themselves on having excellent team chemistry.

Philadelphia will try to accomplish the extraordinary challenge of winning consecutive Super Bowls. But their biggest challenge yet might present itself inside of their locker room.