Justin Jenkins was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He was on the Eagles’ practice squad when they went to the Super Bowl. Jenkins also played for the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe, winning a World Bowl title. In 2006 he joined the Buffalo Bills where he played until February 2010. Jenkins is not only a good player, but also a good person. Starting this week he and his wife Anita will share stories of other NFL players. They will focus on things players do off the field as well as their transition to life after football. But first, here is their story.
When did you first know you wanted to play in the NFL?
Honestly, it was never a dream of mine to play in the NFL. I began to notice the path that God set before me during my time in college and I knew it was my duty to follow that path.
What were the greatest obstacles you faced in playing in the NFL?
There were plenty of obstacles that I faced on my path to the Pro’s. After being undrafted, it was a huge accomplishment to even play in the NFL as long as I did. During my playing career, I had four knee surgeries. Every athlete knows how tough it is to come back repeatedly from those, so I must say that I’ve been blessed.
How were you recruited to play for Mississippi State? What was your experience like as a collegiate athlete?
I was recruited heavily, however I didn’t qualify academically until after I graduated from high school. By that time, most schools had given up on me. Miss. State was right there for me and I am forever grateful for that. My collegiate experience as an athlete in college was pretty entertaining. I had a very successful college career, but I must say that the most of my memories have something to do with playing in the SEC! Great competition every Saturday!
Who has influenced your football career the most?
I would have to say T.O. We became good friends during my rookie season in Philly and again in Buffalo. Just to see an all-pro work as hard as he did in practice, day-in and day-out was amazing to me. His work ethic rubbed off on a lot of individuals.
Tell us you favorite football moment?
My favorite moment would have to be, going to the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles during the “04-05” season. I was on the practice squad that year, but the guys on that team, taught me a lot, things that I take along with me still to this day.
How as the game of football changed? Or how do you see the game evolving?
The game, I feel is getting faster and faster! Almost every Sunday someone is going down with concussion-like symptoms. The speed and types of collisions that are happening today are out of this world.
With the lockout this year, there was a good deal of talk about the “business of football” What does that mean to you?
Well, just like any other sport, there’s a business side to it. It’s something that the fans will NEVER fully understand. “Billionaires fighting Millionaires” was a popular phrase from the fans. Football is a violent sport. It takes a huge toll on the body. As an athlete, you never know when your last play is going to be. So there are things that the players feel need to be in place in order to ensure we are protected on and off the field. There is so much more to the game than what happens on Sunday.
What is your best advice for players just starting their careers?
Stay focused and don’t take anything for granted. While your sleeping, someone is always working. To a certain extent, you are always replaceable.
How has your life and family changed post football? What tools were you given to help you transition out of playing?
Well, now I have the opportunity to spend time with my wife and kids. I take my kids to school and take them shopping. Just being able to do “daddy time” means a lot to me. I recently got the chance to be apart of a transition program for NFL Players and I learned a lot about making the transition from the NFL to the business world. It’s only offered to 40 former players at a time, but it was very helpful.
What made you begin your coffee business with your business partner and wife, Anita?
We have always wanted to run our own business and work together. This opportunity came along and we feel that God put our company in our lives for a powerful reason. Being an athlete, I naturally want to help others physically. Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world (water is first). The company that we represent has found a way to make it very healthy! So our motto is “getting people healthy, one cup at a time.”
Are you involved in any community or charity activities? If so which ones and why are those important to you.
I am the Brotherhood President at my church and I also mentor kids in the community. I tell people that once you are a player in the NFL, you are an instant role model. Whether you are a good one or bad one is totally up you. I choose to be a good one.
What can followers, fans, and players expect from “JENKINS JOURNAL”?
Everyone can expect an in-depth look into different players lives. What that player does away from the game is important to that player and we want him to share it with his fans. There are so many players out there who do positive things, away from the game that the fans should know about. Also, we will share player’s business successes and lessons they have learned along the way. My wife and I feel that the world needs to know more about the athlete “under the helmet”! We look forward to this opportunity and sharing as many stories as possible.
