Malcolm Jenkins Discusses Decision to Join National Anthem Protests

Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins joined the protest movement started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick by raising his fist during the playing of the national anthem prior to Philly's Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears, and he explained his decision Friday.

In an interview with Kalyn Kahler of The MMQB, the 28-year-old defensive back referenced an NFL security meeting that led to him questioning the way African-Americans are treated by police, much like Kaepernick:

"

In our NFL security meetings that we do every year, the head of security for our team speaks to us about numerous topics like gun safety, domestic violence, how to keep our house secure, personal security, everything. And in the last two years, they have talked about police encounters, but this year stood out to me specifically because he started by saying, I am not here to get into a conversation about what is right and what is wrong and what your rights are as a citizen. I am here to simply coach you up on how to survive the encounter. There was a little bit of rumbling and he said, 'Look I get it, there are a lot of things going on, a lot of things that aren't right, but we are here so that you survive the encounter.

"

Jenkins further explained what was said in the meeting and why he knew the time was right to take a stand:

"

In that moment you knew that he was not talking to [Eagles quarterback] Carson Wentz. He said, look if you get pulled over, most of you probably have tinted windows, so roll all your windows down, keep your hands on the steering wheel. If the officer asks you to pull out your license and registration, don't just reach for it, announce and say, Hey, officer, I am reaching for my license. He said, I know all of this is not right and this isn't in line with the rights you have as a citizen, but we need you to survive this encounter and you can report the officer later after that. The fact that we even have to have this conversation tells you that there is something wrong.

"

Kaepernick began his protest during the preseason by sitting during the national anthem before switching to kneeling. That has led to several other players across the NFL joining him by sitting, kneeling or raising their fists.

Jenkins told Kahler that he wanted the Eagles to protest as an entire team united, but he refused to push anyone into joining if they were unsure. The end result was Jenkins, cornerback Ron Brooks and defensive end Steven Means raising their fists last Monday night.

The 2015 Pro Bowler revealed in the interview that he intends to continue his protest throughout the season but hopes social changes are made so he doesn't feel the need to raise his fist for the rest of his career.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.