Malcolm Jenkins’ Wake-Up Call to Every Dad: “You Can’t Be a Great Father If You Ignore Your Mental Health”

For Malcolm Jenkins, being a father was supposed to be the most rewarding role of his life. But as the pressure of NFL games, philanthropy, and activism mounted, Jenkins found himself overwhelmed—and emotionally absent. In 2020, the two-time Super Bowl champion made a brave and deeply personal choice: he turned to therapy.

Jenkins, who is the founder of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and a co-founder of the Players Coalition, was grappling with guilt. Long road trips, training camps, and meetings had kept him away from his daughters, Elle and Selah. “I was there, but not really present,” he later admitted. “I was giving everything to the world—and leaving nothing for my kids.”

Raised in a community where mental health was rarely discussed, Jenkins struggled with the stigma of seeking help. Admitting to anxiety and depression, especially as a high-profile Black athlete, didn’t come easy. But weekly therapy sessions slowly helped him reframe his thoughts and reconnect with what mattered most—being a better, more engaged father.

Therapy not only gave Jenkins tools to manage his mental health, but it also transformed how he approached parenting. He learned to be intentional with his time, whether playing games with his daughters or involving them in TMJF community events. “My daughters don’t need me to be perfect,” Jenkins said. “They need me to be present, consistent, and emotionally grounded.”

Now in 2025, Jenkins is using his platform to challenge the narrative around masculinity and mental health. His message to fellow fathers is clear: “Taking care of your mind isn’t weakness—it’s love in action.”

Through his vulnerability, Jenkins is shifting the conversation and setting a new standard for what it means to be a strong, loving father. His journey proves that real strength starts on the inside—and the best dads are the ones who take care of themselves, too.