By Shelita Dalton, Terrytown ColumistMore than 500 middle school boys in Algiers gathered last week to hear and be mentored by a panel of influential male leaders in the community as part of the second annual “Living the Dream” program’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote speakers included U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans Saints players Malcom Jenkins and Leigh Torrence, and a host of others.A group of students from Alice Harte Elementary Charter School wait for the 'Living the Dream' program to begin.The event took place at O. Perry Walker College and Career Preparatory High School in Algiers.Richmond reminded the audience that King’s dream is not the main reason he is celebrated.“The reason why we celebrate Dr. King is not his dream, but it’s the work he put into making that dream a reality,” Richmond said. “The decisions you make as a young African-American male are going to go with you for a long time.”He also talked to the students about the importance of being surrounded by the right people.“You can choose to be great or you can choose not to be great so you can be cool with your friends,” he said. “If you’re the smartest person in your group, find a new group to hang with. If you’re the only one doing the right thing in your group, find a new group to hang with.”Jenkins agreed. “Be careful about who you hang out with and how you spend your time and make sure you keep your goals in mind,” he said. “One of the things I learned is, the first thing you want to do if you have a dream is write it down and put it somewhere you can read it every day and to make sure your goal is specific. So, instead of saying you want to graduate from high school, you can say you want to graduate with a 3.0 or a 3.5.”Torrence reminded the students of the many opportunities they have to become successful.“Our opportunities are great and there is nothing that’s going to stop you from doing any amazing thing that you want to do with your life,” he said. “The excuses are over. The idea that the chances aren’t there for you or that you can’t become something or do something great is absolutely ridiculous.”Crime Commissioner James Carter told the group of their God-given abilities to accomplish great things.“I want to tell you young men that from a very spiritual perspective, we all recognize the words, in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, but did you also hear that he made you and I in his own image?” he asked. “So, if God made us in his own image and likeness, that gives you awesome power to not only finish school but to be leaders in this particular community. And no matter where you come from or what your situations are, you are precious in God’s eyes.”The panelists also admonished the students to think outside the box when it comes to their goals.“A lot of people are telling you if you don’t make it in the NFL, NBA or get a song on the radio — the three or four things everybody glamorizes nowadays — that you’re not a success,” Torrence said. “Success is measured in so many more different ways, like having a family, having the respect of your neighbors and your peers, being a man of character, a man of integrity and a man that a person can count on. All of these things mean a lot.”The young men were also advised on the importance of nonviolence.“I’m worried about the number of violent acts that are taking place between and amongst young African-American men,” Landrieu said. “People that are killed or being killed are young men who have decided they are going to settle their differences with a gun. Put down the gun; don’t shoot, because you don’t have to. There is a way to resolve differences without shooting somebody.”Landrieu also reminded them of their duty to turn their lives around after making mistakes or being dealt a bad hand in life.“We spend a lot of time in our lives complaining about how we got where we are,” he said. “There’s an old message that says if someone knocks you off of a chair, that’s on them, but if a week later you’re still on the ground, that’s on you. That’s a message about responsibility.”
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins in Indianapolis for Super Bowl Community Projects
Mike Triplett, The Times-PicayuneINDIANAPOLIS - New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins has been in Indianapolis this week for several community projects and fan appearances during Super Bowl week. On Friday, Jenkins took part in the NFL's "Kickoff to Rebuild" initiative to help revitalize an Indianapolis community.Earlier this week, Jenkins also took part in the NFL Play 60 Kids' Day. And he took part in a youth football clinic at the NFL Experience, among other activities.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Presented by Verizon
Indianapolis- Feb 3.Tonight, New Orleans Saints Safety, Malcolm Jenkins will participate in the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Presented by Verizon. Jenkins will introduce the 2011 Verizon's How Sweet The Sound winning choir.Verizon's How Sweet The Sound is a national, year-long celebration that connects communities and gives choirs a platform to showcase their talent, as Verizon searches for America's best church choir.The final competition was held in Los Angeles, CA and hosted by CeCe Winans and Donald Lawrence. Gospel greats Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton and Shirley Caesar served as judges. The winning choir received Verizon products, and $40,000.00 to support a local obesity program. The winning choir also won the opportunity to perform at the annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.Also, coming up this month Feb 27th, Malcolm Jenkins will be featured in a special Black History Month series produced by Verizon, titled; Celebrating Your Story. Jenkins will be featured in a short film where he candidly discusses his personal success and triumphs that led him to Ohio State University, Thorpe Award winner, and a distinguished NFL career.
Malcolm Jenkins featured in Verizon's Web Series Celebrating Black History Month
Verizon Wireless will spotlight seven influential African-American leaders in a unique online program, "Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network" throughout the month of February. The multimedia initiative launches today and includes a series of candid video vignettes featuring Pastor Marvin Sapp, Dr. Steve Perry, DJ Beverly Bond, The Three Doctors, actor Laz Alonso and sports figures Tia Norfleet and Malcolm Jenkins."'Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network' provides a platform for the community to learn about these inspiring leaders who have made significant contributions to our society and culture," said Marquett Smith, vice president of communications for Verizon Wireless. "We are honored to be able to share their stories with the public." Starting today, the public can go to www.verizonwireless.com/celebratingyourstory to register for updates and view weekly video interviews of the featured celebrities.The video vignettes offer an intimate peek into the lives of each of the influencers as they make strides in the areas of church, education, business, entertainment and sports. The first video will be released today and features gospel music chart topper Pastor Marvin Sapp. The remaining videos will be released as follows:* Feb. 3 – Tia Norfleet NASCAR driver* Feb. 8 – Dr. Steve Perry, Educator* Feb. 13 – Laz Alonso, Actor* Feb. 17 – The Three Doctors, MDs and Authors* Feb. 22 – DJ Beverly Bond, DJ and Organizer* Feb. 27 – Malcolm Jenkins, NFL Player and PhilanthropistFor more information about "Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network," including weekly video uploads of the featured influencers please visit: www.verizonwireless.com/celebratingyourstory.
Wendy’s High School Heisman Honors Students
The Wendy’s High School Heisman Program honored some of Louisiana areas most esteemed high school seniors in partnership with the Heisman Memorial Trophy® Committee. The leadership award-honorees are well-rounded young men and woman who excel in learning, performing, and leading in the classroom, on the field and in the community. Like The Heisman Memorial Trophy, the Wendy’s program believes in the pursuit of athletic and academic excellence with integrity. And, in addition to honoring student accomplishments, the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program inspires all future high school students to pursue their higher education goals.This year’s awards ceremony took place Monday, January 16, 2012, at the Hilton, New Orleans Airport in Kenner, LA and featured New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins as the guest speaker. Winning top honors in the state of Louisiana: Sarah White - Highland Baptist Christian School, New Iberia Logan Hilton - Holy Savior Menard Central High School, Alexandria Congratulations! For more information visit http://www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com
A Big Easy Christmas Dinner Surprise
Holiday dinners all have a special place in our hearts and memories-families gathered around the table sharing stories of the years gone by, while enjoying dinner prepared with love. Unfortunately, this is not the memory that many families have or expect to have this Christmas. Many families are struggling due to a slow economic recovery, high unemployment, and a vicious cycle of poverty that pervades our community.NFL Defensive Back, New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins recognizes the needs of these families. As the founder and chairman of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, Malcolm Jenkins and The Foundation staff will make surprise deliveries of a Big Easy Christmas Dinner to 25 families in the New Orleans area.
Saints DBs Host 1st “Gifts For Grades” Christmas Shopping Experience
It is that time of year with the Christmas holiday approaching, the New Orleans Saints Defensive Backs Leigh Torrence, Isa Abdul Quddus, Jonathon Amaya, Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Jabari Greer, Patrick Robinson, Tracy Porter, Terrall Lambert and Johnny Patrick, are giving students another reason to work hard in the classroom by hosting the First Annual “Gift for Grades”, Christmas shopping experience. On Tuesday December 13, 2011, Duchess Sports and the Saints Defensive Backs “Dem Boyz”, join forces with the Speak Up Speak Out Foundation to reward over a hundred students in the eighth grade class at Martin Behrman Charter Academy for their outstanding academic achievements with an unforgettable day of Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart. Eligible students at Martin Behrman Charter Academy will enjoy an explosive pep rally and lunch reception sponsored by Raising Canes and Smoothie King, with a special music performance by RnB Sensation Kourtney Heart followed by the Christmas shopping spree. “Being able to reward students for their academic achievements is very important to me. I am thrilled to reward the good behavior and help show students one of life’s great lessons: hard work has its rewards.” Saints Defensive Back Leigh Torrence said.The Annual Gifts for Grades experience is a community building initiative event presented by Duchess Sports and The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation to reward students with good grades and brings the holiday spirit to a community in need. 
While many people would blanch at rewarding good grades with gifts, it’s an incentive The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation plans to offer students every year for the holidays.“I don’t see it as a way of paying students to do well — it’s a reward. If you continue to do well in school, then life will continue to pay you well,” said Alvianne Brule, Founder of The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation.The objective of Gifts for Grades is to encourage students to recognize the value of school and the long-term benefits of securing good grades.
No Place Like Home - United to Rebuild New Orleans
There are hundreds of families in the greater New Orleans area that are still displaced from the catastrophic storms of 2005 – living in FEMA trailers, doubled or tripled up in family homes, or living in gutted or partially complete homes or apartments they cannot afford. Last year, Roman Harper and former teammate Darren Sharper sponsored and funded the rebuild of two families’ homes. This year Jahri Evans, Malcolm Jenkins, and Lance Moore have joined Harper and Sharper in teaming up with United Way of Southeast Louisiana to support the NO Place Like Home project.With the help of Phoenix of New Orleans (PNOLA), the St. Bernard Project, IrvingMorris, and United Way of Southeast Louisiana, they have already funded the rebuild of three families’ homes. Furthermore, the players will host the Hope for the Holidays Gala sponsored by Black Elk Energy and The Westin with the hopes to raise even more funds to build additional homes. Watch Video:
Malcolm Jenkins Presents 10K to NFL Play 60 Super School
Green Park Elementary School received a check for $10,000 and a surprise visit from four New Orleans Saints after being chosen as the Grand Prize winning entry in the NFL Play 60 program.New Orleans Saints players Malcolm Jenkins, Leigh Torrence, Jermon Bushrod, and Thomas Morstead presented a check for $10,000 to the school on being selected as a NFL Play 60 Super School. Parent Melanie Fortado was also honored by Proctor & Gamble with a check for $1,000 in her name to the school.
The award came from the school’s Back to Football Friday contest, held last September, for demonstrating outstanding pride in their NFL team. Jenkins, Torrence, Bushrod, and Morstead were joined by Saints cheerleaders and mascot at the school.Following the check presentation during a school assembly, all of the Saints players joined the students for the ultimate physical education class of jumping rope, cone course, hula hooping, toning training, and a football relay race. After a brief water break, the students completed a second round of workout stations with the Saints players followed by a cool down period of stretches.At the conclusion of the special event, the players spoke to the students about health and wellness.
Malcolm Jenkins' Bye-Week Calendar includes giving-back and a Special Anniversary
Since it's the Saints' bye-week, many Saints fans will simply make other plans for this Sunday, but taking advantage of the bye-week started Monday for some Saints players.Many are using their time off to stay active in the community, while simultaneously enjoying a little "rest and relaxation" with family and friends, and Malcolm Jenkins is no exception.
On Monday, November 14, Malcolm joined teammates T Zach Strief and CB Leigh Torrence, as they participated in Verizon's "Training Camps For Life Initiative". He, along with Strief and Torrence, as well as alumni and executives from Verizon, and the NFL Players Association, addressed topics with students such as overcoming adversity, decisions and consequences and healthy teen relationships. Giving words of encouragement is another way for Saints players to share their fortunate paths with fans in the community.On Thursday, November 17, Malcolm will join in the 100th Year Anniversary celebration of his Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi. It seems that the Saints' bye-week came at the perfect time. It's no secret how passionate Malcolm is about his fraternity, and he won't have to miss the celebration due to "work". After the initial celebration, he'll then return to The Ohio State to continue the anniversary celebration with those "Frat Brothers" closest to him, as he put it.And of course, no Saturday is complete without college football, so Malcolm will wrap up the week by attending the Ohio State vs Penn State game on Saturday. Maybe the Ohio State will win and send Malcolm "back to work" with a W!Toni L. RousellIndependent Publicist & PR Professional
New Orleans Saints Offensive Tackle Zach Strief Visits Lusher Charter School to Lead ‘Training Camps for Life,’ a Program to Educate Students About Teen Relationship Violence
New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief visited Lusher Charter School on Tuesday (Nov. 15) to lead a session of Training Camps for Life, a partnership of the National Football League Players Association, A CALL TO MEN and the Verizon Foundation, to educate students about teen relationship violence.The half-day, NFL-star-studded event addressed topics such as overcoming adversity, decisions and consequences, and healthy teen relationships – a critical addition to the Training Camps for Life agenda.In a recent High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Centers for Disease Control, New Orleans youths were found to significantly exceed the U.S. youth population in being threatened or injured by a weapon at school (15 percent vs. 8 percent), participating in a physical fight (46 percent vs. 36 percent, and being involved with dating violence (21 percent vs. 9 percent).Strief led 500 Lusher students in taking the LIVERESPECT pledge (www.liverespect.org), a commitment to end teen relationship violence and speak out against domestic violence. He was joined by Saints defensive backs Malcolm Jenkins and Leigh Torrence, and Bernard Robertson, a retired Saint and Tulane University alumnus.Across the country, more than 2,500 teens have taken the pledge to date. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton was the first NFL coach to take the LIVERESPECT pledge in early October.“Taking the LIVERESPECT pledge is a meaningful way to demonstrate respect for yourself, your girlfriend or boyfriend,” said Strief. “It’s also a great way for parents to start a conversation about healthy relationships with their kids.”Ted Bunch, co-founder of A CALL TO MEN, said, “The NFL players do an amazing job talking to teens and getting them to understand why it’s important to commit themselves to healthy relationships, but it can’t stop there. The only way to achieve lasting change is to dive deeper into the cultural influences that shape teen relationships.”Through the Training Camps for Life program, the Verizon Foundation funds A CALL TO MEN program to provide participating schools with a healthy relationships curriculum designed specifically for teens. The in-class curriculum aims to:Help teens heal from past abuse.Improve equality and respect in relationships.Increase safety on school campuses.Promote youth leadership in violence prevention.“We are working to educate teens about the nuances of abuse – is what you are experiencing flirting or harassment? Is it concern or control?” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, president of the Verizon Foundation. “Through the healthy relationships curriculum, teens will learn the difference and know how to respond if confronted by violence or abuse.”Partnering with the NFL Players Association on the Training Camps for Life program is part of the Verizon Foundation’s strategy to engage men and teens in helping end domestic violence.George Atallah, assistant executive director of external affairs for the NFL Players Association, said: “Training Camps for Life reinforces important life skills such as how to overcome adversity, decisions and consequences, and having a plan for your life. Our NFL players are powerful, authentic role models for these important life lessons. They take a lot of pride in promoting the message of respect and nonviolence.”Additional Training Camps for Life programs will be held this year in Boston on Dec. 9. The program will run throughout 2012.The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. Verizon supports survivors of domestic violence through the Verizon HopeLine® program. Through HopeLine, no-longer-used wireless phones are collected and recycled or refurbished to support domestic violence survivors. Since 2001, more than 8 million wireless phones have been collected, and more than $10 million in cash grants have been awarded to domestic violence agencies and organizations throughout the country. Verizon has invested more than $28 million in domestic violence prevention. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
Jenkins Lend Support to One Team for the Cure
Continuing its One Team for the Cure campaign in cities across the country, the NFL Players Association recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honored survivors of the disease at an exclusive reception in New Orleans.Bourbon House in New Orleans played host to Thursday night’s reception. Saints players Mark Ingram, a running back, and Malcolm Jenkins, a safety, served as hosts of the evening’s event.Ingram said, “I’ve always been a guy who wanted to help, so when they called me and asked me if I wanted to go to the Breast Cancer Awareness reception, I felt blessed to do it because I’ve always wanted to be able to give back and help people in any way that I could.”The NFLPA One Team for the Cure campaign and the Susan G. Komen Foundation have partnered to celebrate the Race for the Cure throughout the month of October. Race for the Cure-New Orleans, benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, takes place Oct. 22. Players will take part in the stage presentations from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and will do a meet and greet in the survivors’ area.“I think it’s a great theme because it’s true,” Ingram said of One Team for the Cure. “For everybody to chip in and just become one team and work toward a common goal of trying to prevent this the best we can, I think it’s awesome.”The NFLPA worked with local organizations to identify local breast cancer survivors and supporters of breast cancer awareness to attend the special One Team for the Cure reception. The evening honored their work and success in their battle with cancer.Other attendees, aside from Ingram and Jenkins, included their Saints teammates such as punter Thomas Morstead, former players such as Fred McAfee, Michael Lewis and Mike McKenzie, and their families plus other guests.“The event last night was a blast,” McKenzie said. “There were so many resilient that were willing to share their stories. The words that keep echoing in my ears was the importance of early detention. They wanted everyone to know how important it is for young people to get tested.”Breast cancer survivors and awareness advocates met and mingled with the players. Morstead, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, spoke at the reception. Survivors and awareness advocates were able to meet and mingle with the players in attendance.“At the end of the day, were all in it together when it comes to situations like this,” Ingram said.
The Malcolm Jenkins / Tracy Porter Show- Community Support for a Good Cause
To know New Orleans Saints DB Malcolm Jenkins is to know a fierce competitor for victory, both on and off the field. From overcoming the challenges of recovering from his injury last season, to staying focused on training during a difficult NFL Lockout, Malcolm has proven his dedication to perfecting his skills and excelling as a team member, as he gives of himself constantly.Now, as he leads the charge as Chairman of his namesake charity, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, no one is surprised that he is just as dedicated and focused to succeed in his “off the field” endeavor to give back to and inspire the youth.Recently, Malcolm was offered the opportunity to co-host “The Malcolm Jenkins Show” with WIST Radio’s Kaare Johnson in an effort to raise community support and awareness of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Although he majored in Communications at The Ohio State University, co-hosting his own radio show would deliver a unique challenge to Malcolm, as the Saints’ practice and game schedules require not only his unhindered focus, but travel to, in recent weeks, back-to-back, on the road, high-stake Division games. In fact, because of a team meeting, the September 26, 2011 airing of the debut show, required Malcolm to call in to the show, as he was literally en-route when it was time for the show to air, but to delay the show or disappoint fans was not an option for Malcolm.Malcolm will share and alternate broadcasts of the show with teammate and friend, Tracy Porter. The show, which broadcast from 5-6pm on Monday evenings from Speckled T’s in Slidell, ot only gives Malcolm the opportunity to interact with fans calling in to the show as he answers their questions, but he is also able to interact with those fans who visit the restaurant during the broadcast. He signs autographs and encourages fans to participate in the weekly raffles, with all raffle funds benefiting his foundation.When I asked Malcolm what he thought of the community’s response to the show, he expressed “I am really impressed with the community’s response! More and more people show up at Speckled T’s every week; it’s packed in there all the time and we still have 3/4 of the season left! I’m excited to see what it’s like in week 12!”. It’s no surprise that Saints fans are showing #27 lots of love! With the Saints currently winning all but one game so far this season, and showing only signs of improvement, you might wonder how Malcolm, one who doesn’t take losing easily (to put it mildly), will handle things if the show should broadcast after a Saints loss. “The goal is to keep winning so that I won’t be in that situation. But if it does happen, I’m sure I can suck it up for an hour and answer questions and comment on the game”. And of course he will, because the goal of the show and why he is doing it in the first place is bigger than him; he will need to maintain his high spirits to continue to rally community support, and he will.From Malcolm’s point of view, fan participation in the raffle has been “pretty good”, and he goes on to acknowledge that more people come out and lend their support with each broadcast. “We get more and more support as the weeks go on…we’ve been raising more and more money for the cause.”With no set funding goal to reach, Malcolm’s hope is simply for continued community support which he will need to fulfill the foundation’s vision to be “a world-class organization that serves as a leader in making positive, lasting impact on young people and communities around the world”.And those aren’t just words to Malcolm….Besides the encouragement and inspiration that he speaks of having received from his parents and coaches throughout the years, you might also hear Malcolm mention his 23 year old friend Nicole Brown of Oklahoma City, OK who, although she suffered significant head injuries in a serious car accident and doctors said she would never walk again, recently participated in a 5k walk. Malcolm observes her positive attitude through all of her misfortune, and attributes her recovery to her “hard work, strong spirit and faith in God”. He admires her diligence as she works hard in her church and strives to eventually get back to playing sports and return to employment.It’s with examples like Nicole and his remembrance of the many helping hands that he has received throughout his young years, that keeps him focused on giving back and enabling others to compete and win in their life’s journeys.But of course he can’t do it alone, and community support is critical for this endeavor! To find out more about The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and to offer your support, please visit www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org- Toni L. Rousell, Publicist & PR Professional
New Orleans Saints' Malcolm Jenkins to visit fans at Raising Cane's in Kenner
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers will host a market-wide fundraiser for New Orleans Saints free safety Malcolm Jenkins' foundation on Saturday. All 15 Greater New Orleans-area restaurants including the north shore, Houma and Thibodaux, will donate 15 percent of net sales Saturday to the foundation, which supports youth in underserved areas.Jenkins will sign autographs at the Kenner location, 3344 Williams Boulevard, between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m."Raising Cane's is proud to partner with Malcolm Jenkins on this event and help raise money for children in need," says Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane's.
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins gives some words of wisdom to Marshall’s graduates
By John DeShazier, The Times-PicayuneThe easy way out is to fawn over an athlete because of what he does on the field, court or diamond, not really having much of an idea what kind of person they are or what they’re made of.And then comes along Monday.Yesterday, New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins gave New Orleans — and, specifically, the 2011 graduating class of Thurgood Marshall Early College High School — a reason to admire him other than for his ability to cause a game-saving or make a game-changing interception.Jenkins, all of 23 years old, provided the commencement address for Marshall at Lakefront Arena, a speech spliced with humor, heavy on advice, colored by age-appropriate slang, punctuated by references to the class motto and song.It was the third major interaction he has had with the school, following his holding an essay contest for his “Solutions, Not Shootings” organization (the actual name was taken from the essay) and his donation to the school’s band, which allowed it to buy instruments and other equipment.The guess here is that the third time was the best, by far.“One of the things we do when someone of his caliber comes over is we try to talk to them and get a feel for them. I couldn’t get his jersey out of him,” joked Marshall Principal Dr. Michael Booker.“We had an impromptu conversation, and he told me that after his football career is over he’s interested in sportscasting. I noticed as he was being interviewed by one of the television persons that he was very articulate, the kids were really happy to see him and know that he was a Saints football player. So we just thought of him immediately as a person we would want to come and speak at our commencement exercises.“He’s someone they can aspire to be like. For someone to achieve the level of success he has and still be grounded is an important thing that the kids need to see.”He’ll get no argument here.A university or college accepted 84 of Marshall’s 103 seniors — 81 percent of the class. Obviously, the understanding is there that they won’t be the next Jenkins.Part of Jenkins’ job Monday was to stress that no one has to be the “next” him or the “next” anyone else to be successful.“Six years ago I was in their seat, and I’m only two years out of college,” he said. “They can relate to me more. I’m not too much older than them. I hope they did listen to the message, and I hope it was received well.”Ditto, because the guy who makes his living in part by trying to knock opponents’ heads off showed he has a pretty good one on his shoulders.Trust that there are far worse commencement speakers to be chained to than Jenkins, who sounded like a veteran throughout his debut.“I actually was nervous,” he said. “I’ve never done anything like that. It was definitely new, but once you get into it, it’s kind of like a game. Once you make the first hit, you’re all right.“This is a big deal; this was a graduation speech. I asked my mom if I should do it because I was nervous, and she was like, ‘Yes, it’s a good opportunity.’ ”The oddity is that it’s an opportunity he might not have had if he wasn’t locked out.If Jenkins and his teammates were working out under the supervision of Saints coaches, rather than banned from the facility while NFL owners and players challenge and defend in court, he might not have had time to address the seniors.“You never know what our schedule would have been like,” Jenkins said. “But definitely, with the lockout it’s something I’m able to do. It’s one of the opportunities that you get, seeing as how we’re not working right now.”Actually, he was working Monday afternoon at Lakefront Arena.Doing a job that, in the future, could prove just as influential and satisfying as anything he ever has done, or will do, on the field as a Saint.
Mother’s Day Remains Special for NFL Moms
By Joe Frollo (USA Football)Pauline Pope-Crowder can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than sitting in the stands watching her son play football. From the Atlanta municipal parks, where Channing Crowder grew up to the NFL stadiums where he now plays for the Miami Dolphins, Pauline enjoys looking out onto the field and seeing her baby run around, make tackles and enjoy the game he loves. On Mother’s Day this weekend, the Crowders will get together at a restaurant or at Channing’s South Florida home for a big meal, then talk the day away as they do every year. That’s when Pauline is proudest of her family – whether it is her youngest child Channing or her two daughters, all of whom make every day the family gets together feel like Mother’s Day. “Channing is impulsive, so he may decide we go out, stay in or try something new for Sunday,” Pauline said. “You just never know what we’ll do until we do it. He’s always been like that. He’s very considerate. We don’t do anything traditional for Mother’s Day but we always do something together.” Channing Crowder may be a 6-foot-2, 250-pound veteran linebacker to NFL fans, but Pauline can’t help watching him with mother’s eyes, remembering how he was even as he sacks the quarterback or makes a big stop on third-and-short. “People look at him and see this big, tough, rough 250-pound guy, but when I look at him, I see this little fellow I’ve always known,” Pauline said. “I’ve got a cute picture of him when he was little, and that’s how I want to think of him. It’s a mother thing.”
Pauline Crowder is a member of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA), a non-profit organization of NFL players’ mothers who assist in their sons’ charitable endeavors. A USA Football partner since 2008, PFPMA lends advice to youth football parents and players through USA Football events and www.usafootball.com. The mothers also support charities for at-risk youth and disadvantaged communities.
Gwendolyn Jenkins also is a member of the PFPMA. She won’t spend Mother’s Day with her son, Malcolm, as he rehabs a knee injury in hopes of returning to the New Orleans Saints after the labor negotiation ends. That doesn’t mean she isn’t thinking of him. “Mother’s Day is a special time when we honor all the women in our family, not just myself,” said Gwendolyn, who also has two other sons, both younger than Malcolm, a third-year safety with New Orleans. “When it comes to my children, it’s a time to say ‘thank you’ to what Mom and Grandma and others have meant to them.” Gwendolyn still lives in the Piscataway, N.J., home where Malcolm grew up. She will spend Mother’s Day with her entire family, attending religious service where her own mother sings in the choir, then going out for lunch together. Gwendolyn expects a call from Malcolm along with flowers or candy. She understands her son is busy strengthening his knee and also getting ready for his July 15 wedding. “I’m going there soon to see him and looking forward to my soon-to-be daughter-in-law,” Gwendolyn said. “Right now, I’m working closely with Malcolm as he starts a foundation to assist youth in New Jersey, New Orleans and Columbus (where he attended Ohio State). He has made a commitment to give back financially and with his time to kids to help them achieve higher goals. A mother couldn’t be prouder than that.” Pauline Crowder also shines when talking about her son giving back to the South Florida community. Whether by participating in Read Across America and or by mentoring a high school student who now attends college in part because of Channing’s help, Pauline has followed her son’s charity work as closely as Dolphins fans follow his play on Sundays. “Things like that make me more proud than any of the on-the-field stuff,” Pauline said. “You always want your children to be successful in what they do, but you also want to see that they make a good impact on the community around them.”
TMJF Offers 1st and Goal Scholarships to MSA Students
The Mentoring Student Athletes Foundation in partnership with the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is accepting sophomores for the MSA College Tour/ACT Prep Lab. Mr. Jenkins will present the first 16 sophomores to sign up for the College Tour/ACT Prep Lab an ACT 1st and Good Scholarship. (16) $100 Scholarships will be awarded to those sophomores going on the college tour and taking the ACT Test on June 11, 2011. The announcement of his 1st and Goal Scholarships will take place Wednesday March 23, 2011 at 7:00pm St. Stephen's Community House 1500 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH.For more information email msaprogram@hotmail.com.
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins surprises Woodmere Elementary students
Last week, nearly 150 Woodmere Elementary students eagerly sat in the school cafeteria, awaiting a big surprise.
SUSAN POAG / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Moments later, New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins walked in and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Jenkins paid a surprise visit to the school in Harvey to talk with the students about healthy eating and lifestyle habits.“I chose running because I have to chase people down and tackle them,” he said. “So, I like to do sprints and run back and forth across the field so I can become faster.”Jenkins expressed the importance of regular physical activity, especially as a sports player. “To play football, you have to be big, strong and fast, so we work out pretty much about four or five times a week (during the regular season) and that doesn’t count the games,” he said.The student attendees included those who received A’s and B’s in conduct along with the winners of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Spirit Challenge. The students were asked to create a video, song, commercial or cheer to inspire others to become involved with making their school a healthier place. As a result, Woodmere was also awarded a $600 cash prize, donated by the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association. The donation will go toward creating a healthier school environment by providing things like physical education equipment.Jenkins answered several of the students’ questions and gave them tips, along with an inside look into his own habits. Students also asked Jenkins more personal questions, such as how he became a football player.“I started playing football in the fourth grade and I actually didn’t like it when I first started,” he said. “My dad made me play and I quit the first two years because I wasn’t really that good; but over the years I stuck with it, got better and now I’m in the NFL.”Third-grade student and Spirit Challenge participant Roshonda Johnson said she was happy and excited when Jenkins walked in, and she said she learned a lot from his presentation.“I learned that I have to stay healthy and be active,” she said.In addition to teaching the students to be healthy, Jenkins also stressed the importance of listening to their teachers.“To get to your dreams, you have to go to school, and if you don’t listen to your teachers, you won’t do well in school and make it to your dreams,” he said. “You have to respect your teachers and listen to them because they know how to get you to where you want to be and they are here to help you.“When I was your age, I didn’t really like homework and sometimes my teachers would get on my nerves; but when I’d listen to them I’d see that they only wanted to get me to where I needed to be to accomplish my dreams.”
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins encourages kids to stay fit
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins, three members of the Saintsations, and their mascot Gumbo thrilled hundreds of Madisonville Elementary School students Thursday, an event resulting from the school winning first place in last year’s Moo Dat contest sponsored by Brown’s Dairy and the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA). The event was part of the NFL's "Fuel Up To Play 60" campaign, which encourages kids to lead a healthy lifestyle and complete 60 minutes of physical activity each day.Jenkins told the kids how important a healthy lifestyle was, especially if they wanted to become pro football players. When asked for a show of hands on who wanted to play football, almost all the students raised their hands.
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The Saintsations led the pep rally, kicking off the event with a reading of Gumbo’s biography. It was an entertaining and inspiring story, one punctuated with expressions and dances by Gumbo himself.Jenkins answered questions from the audience covering a variety of topics ranging from his personal background to his daily routine at Saints camp, including what time he goes to bed at night. He stressed the importance of eating right and exercising, saying the main job of a pro football player was to “keep his body healthy.” He told the students that more than anything, he enjoyed being out on the field playing football. It gives him a feeling of freedom, he said, but he added that before each game, it takes a lot of study, practice and discipline. He gave the kids an overview of his work day, getting to work at 7 a.m. and staying at it until 5 p.m., exercising, learning plays, and meeting with his teammates.Playing the position of safety, it’s his job to make sure nobody gets past his defense, he told the crowd. To accomplish that, he sometimes has to feel, act and look “mean,” a statement that delighted many of the students. One question posed to Jenkins was that, if he wasn’t a football player, what would like to be? His answer was to be a public speaker, motivating people and kids like themselves to work hard and be successful, just what he was doing that morning. Being a professional football player helps in that regard, since so many people know him and want to meet him, he said. Principal Lauren Spencer said the response of the students was great. "We have had an unbelieveable amount of calls and requests for pictures from the pep rally!" she said. " We never imagined having so much fun with this."Madisonville Elementary posted a 139 percent increase in the amount of milk consumed during the run of the contest from October 11 to November 12. The school received $5000 as a result of the win in addition to the pep rally.
The St. Tammany Parish Public School System won the grand prize. Overall, the School System increased milk consumption by 40.8 percent and as a result the parish received the Grand Prize of a HOPSports exercise system valued at $10,000.
