It’s crowded in here: My Induction into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
This was never a solo mission.
Praise report: Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Eagles surprised me with news that I’d been inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame–and not just any Hall of Fame class. I’m the first member of the franchise's first Super Bowl winning team to be honored.
It’s humbling, not because I didn’t think I’d ever be recognized, but because this kind of recognition isn’t something I ever chased. It’s the byproduct of years of consistent work and a deep belief that my success was, and still is, tethered to the people around me.
The mission was bigger than me
The news came on a day when I was already reflecting on leadership. I’d gone to Eagles training camp just to get out of the house and spend a few hours taking photos and saying hello to some of the people I spent years with while playing for the Eagles. The instant I stepped into the building I felt this wasn’t going to be a normal day. I wasn’t sure if something was off or if it was just old muscle memory shaken awake by the stimulus of a familiar space, but I exhaled and kept moving. The Cleveland Browns were joining the Eagles in a joint practice, and on my way through the building I ran into my former defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz. Jim was the architect of the defense that brought Philadelphia its first Super Bowl Championship and in that defense I learned the full range of my abilities. Jim is not shy about how much he loved coaching me and always reminds me of stories I’d long forgotten. On cue, he had one ready:
It was early in training camp and he was installing a basic Cover 2 defense. Football 101, the kind of thing I’d heard a hundred times by that point in my career. I sat up front, taking detailed notes on every point and nuance. This caught Coach Schwartz’s attention, and after the meeting he pulled me aside. “Jenks, you don’t have to take notes on this. I know you respect my meeting and all, but I trust a vet like you knows this stuff.”, he said, low enough for our ears alone.
My response caught him by surprise. I smiled and chuckled, “Coach, I definitely respect your meeting, but that’s not why I take so many notes. These notes aren’t for me. I’m always on the other DB’s about taking notes and detailing their assignments. If they don’t see me taking notes, they surely won't. I need them to detail their work because if they don't do their job, I don’t make plays.”
That’s the game I played—make everyone sharper, faster, and more prepared. In doing so, I prepared myself, knowing wholeheartedly that if they succeeded, I succeeded—literally.
A Community Win
When I think about the Eagles Hall of Fame, I don’t just see my name. I see teammates from every team I was a part of. I see coaches and the endless meetings that challenged me to do more. Trainers who made sure I never missed a game. Family and friends who helped bear the load of what I had to sacrifice. Fans who fanned the flames of my ambition and drive. The legends of the game I studied and learned from. I see them all.
The honor of being in the Hall of Fame is a monumental reminder that I was, and continue to be, in good company. To be so fortunate is an unbelievably humbling revelation.
The Lesson I Carry
If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: feed the community, and the community will feed you. Pour into your people, and they’ll return it in opportunities, wins, and moments you couldn’t have scripted.
To everyone who has been with me along this journey I sincerely thank you!
With much love ,
Malcolm
Congratulations! Thank you for your contributions to the Eagles on and off the field. I love that the Eagles prioritize acquiring players who aren't just good players, but good people, and you definitely exemplified both. Glad to see you here writing about leadership, fatherhood, and everything else. I don't know if I'll ever bump into you in person, but if I do, I bet we could have a great conversation without even mentioning football. Success to you in all your endeavors.