Malcolm Jenkins is more than just a football player

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 17: Malcolm Jenkins
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 17: Malcolm Jenkins /
facebooktwitterreddit

In a sign of solidarity, Chris Long supported his teammate Malcolm Jenkins in his protest. Jenkins has been the most vocal civil rights leader from the NFLPA.

This is more than just football. This is life. This is taking action. This is standing up for what is right. This is America. This is Malcolm Jenkins.

Malcolm Jenkins was never one to be quiet. He showed us that by raising his fist during the national anthem, to bring awareness to the unjust treatment of African-Americans. His way of protesting has been debated, but his message is clear; he won’t stop doing what he believes is right.

On Thursday night, he once again raised his fist. Backed by the turmoil of Charlottesville, Virginia, Jenkins was accompanied by teammate Chris Long. The horrifying actions in Charlottesville are a reminder of the imbalance and the differences our nation faces.

More from Philadelphia Eagles

Malcolm Jenkins has been a consistent voice in this realm. Backing the protests of Colin Kaepernick, being critical of unjust killings. Jenkins is more than just a football player. He’s a reminder of what we all must be. Defenders of freedom, life, and basic human rights.

We are all just people. But some decide to show their incredibleness more often. Jenkins understands the criticisms he’ll get by doing what he’s doing. But he won’t stop. Because he believes in what he’s doing.

Michael Bennett found the same kind of support from teammate Justin Britt. As Bennett sat out the national anthem, Britt stood next to him, holding his shoulder. What Long and Britt did was showing solidarity. Showing support.

Long and Britt will never truly understand what Bennett and Jenkins are going through, and why the feel to do this. I won’t understand it either. It’s the sad reality of life that some are born with less negative stigma than others.

It’s not right, and that’s why Malcolm Jenkins is protesting in his way. It’s not a sign of disrespect or hostility. It’s a peaceful way of him showing that he wants better for our nation. As we all should. Jenkins is not just the safety of the Eagles.

Next: Corey Clement continues to shine

He’s a figure. One we should strive to mimic in his pursuit to spread awareness to create a better environment for us as a humanity. We are all just people. People who must stand together. Chris Long supporting Malcolm Jenkins doesn’t make his goal more attainable, but it shows that he’s not alone.