Real leadership ain’t about being loud, it’s about being clear. You captured that perfectly here bro. Heavy message, delivered the right way. Proud of you for always standing on what matters.
Thank you Malcolm. The City of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization will forever be lucky beyond words that our first ever Super Bowl-winning team was led by men of such integrity.
I will also let Jalen know how much I appreciate what he did today. (In one way I already have; I bought merchandise from the Jalen Hurts Foundation today to support his charitable work. Highly recommend your other readers do the same: thejalenhurts.com.)
My sentiments exactly. Jalen chose to exercise his GOD given free will & America’s freedom to stand quietly without fanfare with a decision that only a leader could make. He chose not to be hypocritical in such a quiet but strong manner. Truthfully, I did not expect the team to go to the WH this year either. Those who did go has justified it with various reasons. That in itself says something without saying something. I am 70 years and witnessed first hand Jim Crow, the 1960s Civil Rights activists, the various Vietnam Conflict/War protests, etc. Jalen has made me a fan with his integrity.
Thank you. This event has weighed heavy on my mind today. Your words lifted me up. So proud of Jalen and the others who made a choice and took a stand.
Appreciate this. Everyone can act on their own, but a visit to that place in this time seems like a betrayal. I’m glad you wrote this and more importantly you had a subject to write about doing this.
I’ve been thinking about Bill Russell a lot after watching the incredible Celtics City doc. And thinking about how he would handle these times were he a player today, or even just alive today. And Malc, I gotta say your words and actions do Bill proud. And Jalen today did Bill proud. Not just Jalen, but everyone on the team who declined that invitation. But like you said, none will carry that target on their head like Jalen will.
I may question the plays on the field from time to time (I mean… I am an Eagles fan lol), but I will never question his character nor his conviction.
This is so well written and so perfectly lays out the burden Jalen has taken on. He did not have to do this, people would love him all the same, but his moral code would not allow it. I did not think I could have more admiration for the way he has carried himself since college, but I certainly do. I also appreciate the stand taken by those of his teammates who stood with him, would that the rest of the team realized what they have.
That's what's make the game of football so beautiful. The split ideology of this team, from ownership down to the MVP, is on full display. Yet, some how they were able to work together, enjoy each other, and still were the best team in the NFL.
Two men had a choice and one went the harder way which I admire and respect. Nothings been easy for Jalen but I have every confidence he’ll carry through with grace under pressure as always.
He was born for this…
I’ll be more interested to see how Saquon handles it cause so far it’s been childish at best…
Incredible acknowledgement and praise Malcolm. You did what was right with your tenure in Philadelphia and your political literacy proved to be a necessary standard for athletes with a platform like yours. It’s a virtue to advocate for change that transcends football and aims to promote civil rights, protect marginalized people and to exude empathy. Much love.
Malcolm, I appreciate this thoughtful and well written piece. While we aren’t 100% certain as to his WHY, his quiet decision resonates. Leadership can take many forms—it’s not always about being present physically, but about staying true to your values while remaining accountable to the team. That balance deserves understanding, and this article provides that space.
I don't think that the question will come up. It appears that the team and the media has put the event behind them. However, IF it does, one hopes for candor rather than vague evasiveness in his reply.
Not a Philly fan, but have always liked him- and now even more so. Always liked Saquon too, so holding out hope that he will wake up and realize that neutrality is not an ok choice right now.
Thank you for writing this essay. Jalen Hurts epitomizes the type of quiet leadership we all need in times like these.
I've sent words of encouragement, and bought Hurts Eagles Jersey today, hoping somehow he might see that his voice has been heard and admired. He is courageous. And so are you, Malcom Jenkins, for standing up for what is right.
Sending you and Jalen and the other Eagles who didn't attend today's event much love and respect.
Real leadership ain’t about being loud, it’s about being clear. You captured that perfectly here bro. Heavy message, delivered the right way. Proud of you for always standing on what matters.
I appreciate you! We can't be afraid of the heavy stuff. Heavy things require a responsible approach.
Thank you Malcolm. The City of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization will forever be lucky beyond words that our first ever Super Bowl-winning team was led by men of such integrity.
I will also let Jalen know how much I appreciate what he did today. (In one way I already have; I bought merchandise from the Jalen Hurts Foundation today to support his charitable work. Highly recommend your other readers do the same: thejalenhurts.com.)
My sentiments exactly. Jalen chose to exercise his GOD given free will & America’s freedom to stand quietly without fanfare with a decision that only a leader could make. He chose not to be hypocritical in such a quiet but strong manner. Truthfully, I did not expect the team to go to the WH this year either. Those who did go has justified it with various reasons. That in itself says something without saying something. I am 70 years and witnessed first hand Jim Crow, the 1960s Civil Rights activists, the various Vietnam Conflict/War protests, etc. Jalen has made me a fan with his integrity.
Thank you. This event has weighed heavy on my mind today. Your words lifted me up. So proud of Jalen and the others who made a choice and took a stand.
Bravo! Much respect!
Appreciate this. Everyone can act on their own, but a visit to that place in this time seems like a betrayal. I’m glad you wrote this and more importantly you had a subject to write about doing this.
I’ve been thinking about Bill Russell a lot after watching the incredible Celtics City doc. And thinking about how he would handle these times were he a player today, or even just alive today. And Malc, I gotta say your words and actions do Bill proud. And Jalen today did Bill proud. Not just Jalen, but everyone on the team who declined that invitation. But like you said, none will carry that target on their head like Jalen will.
I may question the plays on the field from time to time (I mean… I am an Eagles fan lol), but I will never question his character nor his conviction.
Appreciate you and this post.
Bill set a great example!
This is so well written and so perfectly lays out the burden Jalen has taken on. He did not have to do this, people would love him all the same, but his moral code would not allow it. I did not think I could have more admiration for the way he has carried himself since college, but I certainly do. I also appreciate the stand taken by those of his teammates who stood with him, would that the rest of the team realized what they have.
That's what's make the game of football so beautiful. The split ideology of this team, from ownership down to the MVP, is on full display. Yet, some how they were able to work together, enjoy each other, and still were the best team in the NFL.
There is a lesson in there somewhere.
Thank you! This is great…
Two men had a choice and one went the harder way which I admire and respect. Nothings been easy for Jalen but I have every confidence he’ll carry through with grace under pressure as always.
He was born for this…
I’ll be more interested to see how Saquon handles it cause so far it’s been childish at best…
Thank you for this, and thank you for your leadership past and present. Needed to see these words on a day with a lot of disappointment.
Incredible acknowledgement and praise Malcolm. You did what was right with your tenure in Philadelphia and your political literacy proved to be a necessary standard for athletes with a platform like yours. It’s a virtue to advocate for change that transcends football and aims to promote civil rights, protect marginalized people and to exude empathy. Much love.
Malcolm, I appreciate this thoughtful and well written piece. While we aren’t 100% certain as to his WHY, his quiet decision resonates. Leadership can take many forms—it’s not always about being present physically, but about staying true to your values while remaining accountable to the team. That balance deserves understanding, and this article provides that space.
His decision yesterday means that he will now have to answer the question: Why didn't you go?
When he answers that question we will see who he is going to be in this moment.
I don't think that the question will come up. It appears that the team and the media has put the event behind them. However, IF it does, one hopes for candor rather than vague evasiveness in his reply.
Not a Philly fan, but have always liked him- and now even more so. Always liked Saquon too, so holding out hope that he will wake up and realize that neutrality is not an ok choice right now.
Beautifully written. What you said is dead on. 👏
Great piece! Thank you for your principled leadership, too.
Thank you for writing this essay. Jalen Hurts epitomizes the type of quiet leadership we all need in times like these.
I've sent words of encouragement, and bought Hurts Eagles Jersey today, hoping somehow he might see that his voice has been heard and admired. He is courageous. And so are you, Malcom Jenkins, for standing up for what is right.
Sending you and Jalen and the other Eagles who didn't attend today's event much love and respect.