JJ Jenkins

JJ Jenkins's Biography

John Robert Jenkins is a celebrated American former professional football player. Born on January 31, 1979, he is renowned for his outstanding performance as a placekicker, most popular with the National Football League (NFL) team the Baltimore Ravens. Jenkins’ football career journey, particularly his formidable years in the industry, took its upswing, at Marshall University, where he participated in the sport from 1997 through to 2001.

Initially, Jenkins served as a kickoff specialist for the first two seasons before gaining recognition as the team’s primary kicker in his third year, showcasing his deftness in field goals. His skillful maneuvering of the football field remained overlooked during the 2001 NFL draft, although his strong determination and passion for the game undeterred.

After leaving his alma mater, Jenkins embarked on a new phase of his football career. He joined the Detroit Fury of the Arena Football League (AFL) on June 6, 2001, enlisted as a fitting replacement for Detroit’s former kicker, Kent Baker. With resilience and immediate impact, Jenkins registered his career-long 57-yard field goal during a playoff outing against the Arizona Rattlers, thereby underscoring his professional prowess. However, by April 22, 2002, Jenkins stood prepared for the next challenge, bidding farewell to the AFL to sign a contract with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

The 2001-02 NFL offseason marked Jenkins’ association with the Baltimore Ravens, donning new responsibilities as the leading kickoff specialist. His leg power surpassed that of the then incumbent kicker Matt Stover, earning him the designated role. During his tenancy with the Ravens, quite notably, Jenkins attempted a field goal against the prominent Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though it was subsequently blocked by Ellis Wyms. By the end of week 10, he found himself on the practice squad, a consequence of certain injuries. Nonetheless, he was dispatched to NFL Europe with the Berlin Thunder to utilize the offseason, only to be released after the third preseason game in 2003.

Jenkins’s momentous journey in professional football continued alongside the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe during the 2003 NFL off-season. He was predominantly appointed as the kickoff and long field goal specialist, justifying his role with an impressive success rate of 6/11 on field goal attempts, including making 2/4 of his attempts of over 50 yards.

Throughout his career, John Robert Jenkins exhibited unwavering resilience and tenacity, courageously tackling any setbacks. From NFL drafts overlooking his abilities to injuries threatening to cut his career short, Jenkins persevered, leaving an indelible mark on professional football. His story is an inspiration for numerous budding footballers aspiring to make it big in the industry.