Former Philadelphia Eagles star Malcolm Jenkins hired by CNN

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Malcolm Jenkins has a new gig.

When Orlando Scandrick was released by the Philadelphia Eagles and went on FOX Sports’ highly-popular Skip and Shannon: Undisputed to bash his former team and one of its captains on defense, “Birds” fans everywhere shook their heads. For several minutes, he stated Philly was still living on the high of a Super Bowl and unmotivated and that Malcolm Jenkins was questionable as a leader. Then, the Eagles released a video of him praising Jenkins on the sideline for everything he’d ridicule him for later.

Scandrick’s claims were quickly dismissed as some would dismiss a jealous boyfriend for taking to social media to attack an ex-girlfriend after being dumped. To be honest, regardless of what anyone’s stance is on whether the Eagles should have kept “27” or let him walk, the facts are as follows. No one with an opinion we respect doesn’t see Jenkins as a leader. Just look at any NFL Films presentation of how he led his teammates during Super Bowl 52 if you need any evidence of what he brings to the table.

The Eagles will miss what Jenkins brings to the field of play in 2020. They’ll also miss his philanthropy and leadership when he isn’t wearing shoulder pads. This is a man that has represented himself well as a professional, a businessman, and a proponent for change. Most of us knew that he was destined for more than football when his playing days were over. Who knew that he would earn a nice gig while playing?

The sky is the limit for this former Philadelphia Eagles star.

Thanks to a report by Brian Steinberg that was later verified by Jenkins himself, we’ve learned that the former Eagles captain will join CNN as a paid contributor. Perhaps the following quote is the most telling.

"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. 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."

If you don’t think the “Birds” are going to miss this guy in 2020, think again. In 102 career games with the Eagles (including the playoffs), Jenkins started every single contest and played 100 percent of the defensive snaps. The only exception was Week 17 of the 2017 season when coaches elected to rest the starters prior to a playoff run that turned out pretty well.

For his Eagles career, he racked up 555 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, 59 pass breakups, and four defensive touchdowns. He’s almost assured of a spot in the Eagles Hall of Fame. We’ll have to wait and see what the guys in Canton Ohio have to say. He’s deserving, but this recent honor and everything we’ve seen from him to this point in his career should have taught us that he’s probably got his mind on more than just football right now.