Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious Byron “Whizzer” White Award, given annually to an NFL player for community service in his hometown and the city he’s playing in.
Jenkins founded the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation to serve underprivileged youth in New Jersey, Ohio, New Orleans and Philadelphia.
Jenkins hails from North Jersey (East Orange), played college football in Ohio (Ohio State) and has played in the NFL for the Saints and Eagles.
“It means a lot to be named a finalist for the Byron ‘Whizzer’ White Award,” Jenkins said in a statement released by the Eagles.
“This recognition is more a reflection of my team than myself and honors all of the volunteers, sponsors and most importantly the board of directors that allow us to spread our wings across four states and make a lasting impact on thousands of people.
“With this nomination, I am more proud of them than myself.”
Jenkins’ foundation holds activities such as after-school programs, football camps and youth safety initiatives. Jenkins was also the Saints’ “Whizzer” White award representative in 2013.
Byron “Whizzer” White was an All-America halfback at Colorado in the 1930s and led the NFL in rushing twice playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Lions before joining the Navy. After World War II, he attended Yale Law School and in 1962 he was appointed by JFK to the Supreme Court. He served as a Supreme Court justice until he retired in 1993. He died in 2002.
For more information on the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and its programs, visit www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org and follow on Twitter @TheMJFoundation.
The Byron “Whizzer” White Award, given out by the NFL Players Association is considered the highest honor an NFL player can receive for off-the-field work.
Along with Jenkins, this year’s finalists are Dustin Colquitt (Chiefs), Chad Greenway (Vikings), Jameel McClain (Giants) and Charles Tillman (Bears).
The winner will receive $100,000 for his foundation or a charity of his choice. He will be announced on March 18.
Jenkins had three interceptions, a touchdown, 14 pass deflections and 79 tackles this past season, his first with the Eagles.
Eagles who've won the "Whizzer" White Award are Troy Vincent (2003), Brian Dawkins (2009), Reggie White (1992), Cris Carter (1999) and Nnamdi Asomugha (2010). Other former recipients of the award include South Jersey natives Francos Harris (1982) and Deron Cherry (1988) and Bordentown Military Institute graduate Floyd Little (1974).
Here’s the complete list of former "Whizzer" White Award winners:
2014 — Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers
2013 — Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers
2012 — Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
2011 — Tony Richardson, New York Jets
2010 — Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders
2009 — Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
2008 — Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Atlanta Falcons
2007 — John Lynch, Denver Broncos
2006 — Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans
2005 — Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
2004 — Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2003 — Troy Vincent, Philadelphia Eagles
2002 — Mark Brunell, Jacksonville Jaguars
2001 — Michael McCrary, Baltimore Ravens
2000 — Doug Pelfrey, Cincinnati Bengals
1999 — Cris Carter, Minnesota Vikings
1998 — Hardy Nickerson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1997 — Chris Zorich, Chicago Bears
1996 — Bill Brooks, Buffalo Bills
1995 — Derrick Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs
1994 — Mark Kelso, Buffalo Bills
1993 — Nick Lowery, Kansas City Chiefs
1992 — Reggie White, Green Bay Packers
1991 — Mike Kenn, Atlanta Falcons
1990 — Ozzie Newsome, Cleveland Browns
1989 — Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears
1988 — Deron Cherry, Kansas City Chiefs
1987 — George Martin, New York Giants
1986 — Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins
1985 — Reggie Williams, Cincinnati Bengals
1984 — Rolf Benirschke, San Diego Chargers
1983 — Doug Dieken, Cleveland Browns
1982 — Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
1981 — Ken Houston, Washington Redskins
1980 — Gene Upshaw, Los Angeles Raiders
1979 — Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
1978 — Archie Manning, New Orleans Saints
1977 — Lyle Alzado, Denver Broncos
1976 — Jim Hart, St. Louis Cardinals
1975 — Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steelers
1974 — Floyd Little, Denver Broncos
1973 — Andy Russell, Pittsburgh Steelers
1972 — Ray May, Baltimore Colts
1971 — Kermit Alexander, Los Angeles Rams
1970 — Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears
1969 — Ed Meador, Los Angeles Rams
1968 — Willie Davis, Green Bay Packers
1967 — Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers