How Did Malcolm Jenkins Become An Art Collector?

The path from NFL star to art collector is not a well-trodden one. Former Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins is one player to have made that unorthodox journey, however, having been inspired by his aunt, Cynthia Vaughn.

Vaughn was an artist, meaning Jenkins spent much of his formative years surrounded by her paintings. While the three-time Pro Bowler had always held a passing interest in art, it wasn’t until after his retirement from the NFL in 2022 that he exercised a more active interest.

Jenkins’ Commitment to Art

A studio visit changed Jenkins’ perception of art, opening his eyes to the impact it can have.

One of the best defensive players in the NFL throughout his career, Jenkins wasn’t priced as a favorite for MVP at DraftKings or FanDuel, but he achieved far more than many of his peers. Having spent much of his career with teams who were among the Super Bowl favorites on sportsbook apps for NFL betting, Jenkins was able to invest significant sums into supporting Black artists.

Not only was Jenkins a two-time champion in the NFL. He was also a first-round pick, meaning he had over $10 million guaranteed in his first contract as a professional. Jenkins finished his career with earnings of $76,721,960, setting him up for life, and providing a sizeable fund to put towards his art-collecting second chapter.

In an interview with Cultured Magazine, Jenkins explained how his NFL career has helped him adjust to the world of art.

“It has certainly given me guidance on how to be new in a space. I remember what it felt like to be a rookie in an NFL locker room, and stepping into the art world felt similar. You’re at gallery openings and events with seasoned veterans, people who’ve studied art and are professionals, and you’re still trying to cut your teeth.”

He added, “But that experience was familiar to me and so I knew how to navigate it. For me, evaluating talent in sports is similar to evaluating art. Some things just stand out immediately, like watching LeBron James on tape where you just know it’s something extraordinary. Other times, it’s about consistency. You might not focus on a single piece, but you believe in the artist’s journey and want to be part of their growth, much like watching a player develop into something special.”

Role With Public Art

After funding a sculpture at the Super Bowl a few years ago, Jenkins has been taken a prominent role in promoting artists around the U.S. He is quietly cautious about the cross-over between sporting stars and art, however, as he explained to Cultured.

“More and more athletes are getting into collecting, which is exciting but also comes with some risks. We’re seeing books that address Black and other minority stories being banned in academic spaces, while at the same time, there’s been a surge in recognition for contemporary Black artists, particularly African and African American artists.”

Jenkins continued, explaining the importance of preserving the context around art.

“But there’s a disconnect: the collectors often don’t look like the artists themselves. This creates a situation where history is suppressed, and the art that tells these important stories is being consumed without the proper context or representation. I see this as a critical moment for people like myself to step in as a new collector, to highlight what’s happening, and to bring more attention to these artists.”

More Than A Hobby

Jenkins isn’t the first NFL player to follow a surprising route after retirement. He isn’t the only one to have splashed large sums on artwork, either.

This is more than a hobby for the two-time Super Bowl champion, though. He’s already had a significant impact on the industry beyond adding to his collection of personal gain.