Former Ohio State Football great Malcolm Jenkins retires

Former Ohio State football player Malcolm Jenkins had played in the NFL since 2009. He had played for two different teams, the Saints and the Eagles, and was one of the most respected players in the league. I say “had” because that will no longer be the case.

Jenkins announced his retirement from football today. He was a 13-year veteran that was a key part of both the Saints and the Eagles when he played and was a captain for multiple years on both teams. He still played well even up to the end of his career.

Jenkins won a Super Bowl his rookie year with the Saints and was named to the Pro Bowl three separate seasons. He was also named Second-Team All-Pro in 2010 in his second year and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2015. This was all after being the 14th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

As an Ohio State football player, Jenkins was one of the best safeties in the country. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten three times, was a consensus Second-Team All-American in 2007, and was a consensus First-Team All-American in 2008. Jenkins also won the Jim Thorpe award for the best defensive back in the country in 2008.

Jenkins played corner at Ohio State and mostly safety in the NFL. It’s his versatility that helped make him such a great player. He was also a leader that cared about his teammates and the issues they had on their minds. He was a valuable locker room presence.

I give Jenkins a ton of credit for being able to last this long in the league. He’s one of the best defensive backs the Buckeyes have had in the last 20 years or so, and that’s saying a lot considering the talent that has come through Columbus in that timeframe.

We wish nothing but the best for Jenkins in his future endeavors!