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What Winners Won't Tell You: Lessons from a Legendary Defender
As a two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro-Bowler, first-round draft pick, and former Jim Thorpe Award recipient, Malcolm Jenkins knows a thing or two about winning.
Over the course of his thirteen-year NFL career, the now retired defensive back’s triumphs extend beyond that on the football field. As a successful entrepreneur, he has seen the blossoming of his business ventures with an eponymous company, Malcolm Inc., and a media conglomerate called Listen Up Media. As a philanthropist, he strives to make a positive difference in the lives of young people in underserved communities through The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. And as the father of two daughters, he understands the challenges of loving his children, and preparing them for an often unkind and hostile world. But for every triumph, there is a tragedy, for every loss, a lesson.
In What Winners Won’t Tell You, Jenkins shares the insight he’s gained from winning and losing alike. One moment, Jenkins is riding high from being the only NFL player to have Super Bowl victories against Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady and then he’s navigating the harrowing low of a divorce from the mother of his children. In another moment he’s advocating for the advances of Black people in America, and then feuding publicly about the direction of this advocacy.
Providing fans and readers alike with an intimate portrayal of life on and off the field, detailed breakdowns of his great moments against the games premiere players, and poignant reflections about what it means to straddle the narrow line between victory and defeat, this “thoughtful memoir” (Kirkus Reviews) is the best kept secret for those who want to know what it takes to be a champion.
Over the course of his thirteen-year NFL career, the now retired defensive back’s triumphs extend beyond that on the football field. As a successful entrepreneur, he has seen the blossoming of his business ventures with an eponymous company, Malcolm Inc., and a media conglomerate called Listen Up Media. As a philanthropist, he strives to make a positive difference in the lives of young people in underserved communities through The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. And as the father of two daughters, he understands the challenges of loving his children, and preparing them for an often unkind and hostile world. But for every triumph, there is a tragedy, for every loss, a lesson.
In What Winners Won’t Tell You, Jenkins shares the insight he’s gained from winning and losing alike. One moment, Jenkins is riding high from being the only NFL player to have Super Bowl victories against Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady and then he’s navigating the harrowing low of a divorce from the mother of his children. In another moment he’s advocating for the advances of Black people in America, and then feuding publicly about the direction of this advocacy.
Providing fans and readers alike with an intimate portrayal of life on and off the field, detailed breakdowns of his great moments against the games premiere players, and poignant reflections about what it means to straddle the narrow line between victory and defeat, this “thoughtful memoir” (Kirkus Reviews) is the best kept secret for those who want to know what it takes to be a champion.
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Published October 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 25, 2024
Malcolm Jenkins is an iconic force to be reckoned with both on and off the field. His memoir provides the in game details that football junkies crave, but doesn’t write like he left it all on the field. For instance, his divorce is spoken about only briefly, and discussions about other players or how other players/coaches acted, at times, felt censored.
Jenkins sometimes wrote as though he was calling a defense like Dennis Allen - hesitant. He needs to write like a Jim Schwartz defense - fast, intentional and with freedom to say what he wants.
In the bright side, Jenkins’ memoir touched a lot of subjects, almost as many subjects as Deshaun Watson victimized, but never took any one of those subjects to the house. His focus on providing clarity to the Eric Reid/Kaepernick breakup was the only “tell all” portion there was but even that felt like a Bill Belichick press conference.
This was a good memoir but Jenkins needs to put his hand in the dirt and fire off the ball! His next memoir needs to leave it all on the field.
Still a good memoir, written by a great Buckeye!
Jenkins sometimes wrote as though he was calling a defense like Dennis Allen - hesitant. He needs to write like a Jim Schwartz defense - fast, intentional and with freedom to say what he wants.
In the bright side, Jenkins’ memoir touched a lot of subjects, almost as many subjects as Deshaun Watson victimized, but never took any one of those subjects to the house. His focus on providing clarity to the Eric Reid/Kaepernick breakup was the only “tell all” portion there was but even that felt like a Bill Belichick press conference.
This was a good memoir but Jenkins needs to put his hand in the dirt and fire off the ball! His next memoir needs to leave it all on the field.
Still a good memoir, written by a great Buckeye!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
I didn’t know much about Malcolm Jenkins before this but I like sports memoirs and wanted to give this one a shot. Jenkins is a defensive player and much of his book involved his thought process during games as a defensive back. I was impressed by how smart and cerebral Jenkins is, especially as he described many plays down to the minute detail, recalling some of his most memorable games. I was also impressed by his willingness to learn and grow, perfecting his craft throughout his career to become the best he could be. Towards the end, I was impressed by his dedication to helping others, both as a mentor on the field and as an advocate for social justice off it. Overall this was a good book to read. Not my favorite sports book but I enjoyed it.
October 4, 2023
Malcom scored a "touchdown" with his new book What Winners Won't Tell You! In this book Malcolm Jenkins invites you to witness his struggles, growth, and resilience that ultimately defined his recipe to becoming a true winner. From chapter to chapter, Malcom skillfully weaves together detailed breakdowns of his greatest football moments against premier players, offering a deep insight into the technicalities of the sport.
Moreover, he provides poignant reflections on what it truly means to walk the fine line between victory and defeat, providing invaluable life lessons for those aspiring to achieve greatness. His book is not simply a lesson on football but it is intimate guide that offers every individual young and old a roadmap to becoming a champion at this game called life. A MUST READ and yes you'll thank me later.
Moreover, he provides poignant reflections on what it truly means to walk the fine line between victory and defeat, providing invaluable life lessons for those aspiring to achieve greatness. His book is not simply a lesson on football but it is intimate guide that offers every individual young and old a roadmap to becoming a champion at this game called life. A MUST READ and yes you'll thank me later.
December 26, 2023
I am an OSU fan, and I really wanted to LOVE this book and this man. Didn't happen.
There were sections that I did enjoy. I loved hearing the behind-the-scenes talk of college and pro football. I wanted to understand how that special chemistry is developed on a team that can lead to excellence. All those different personalities on a football team. How do they gel together, and get this "family" feeling that so many players describe?
Much of the book is like a play-by-play of certain highlighted games in which he made a giant contribution. That became rather tedious. He wanders from game to game, story to story, retelling his role in the game, and this failed to hold my interest.
The issue of refusing to stand for the national anthem, as a form of protesting injustice, police brutality, and other race-related issues, all of which was initiated by the San Francisco quarterback refusing to honor the country by sitting on the bench during the national anthem. This was a few years ago, and reading about it again through Malcom's eyes was discouraging, because Malcom chose to raise his fist as a form of protest. I lost respect for him. Protesting political stances with the goal of effecting change does not belong in sports.
I also hoped to be inspired to get off my rump and learn how to develop a form of discipline for myself, the discipline needed to make changes in one's lifestyle. Of course, I am 80 years old, so my options are much narrower than his were in the book. Still, I can dream, at ANY age. I wanted to get started on the road, the road to developing the daily discipline required to make important life changes of ANY kind. Well, Malcolm's life story couldn't get me off my backside and moving. I will keep looking for that missing ingredient in other books to come.
Still worth the read, just to get a better handle of who Malcom Jenkins really is. I am happy for him, that he made the wise decision to seek therapy when his mental status was in need of remediation. He found a good therapist, and made needed changes. Congratulations, Malcom.
There were sections that I did enjoy. I loved hearing the behind-the-scenes talk of college and pro football. I wanted to understand how that special chemistry is developed on a team that can lead to excellence. All those different personalities on a football team. How do they gel together, and get this "family" feeling that so many players describe?
Much of the book is like a play-by-play of certain highlighted games in which he made a giant contribution. That became rather tedious. He wanders from game to game, story to story, retelling his role in the game, and this failed to hold my interest.
The issue of refusing to stand for the national anthem, as a form of protesting injustice, police brutality, and other race-related issues, all of which was initiated by the San Francisco quarterback refusing to honor the country by sitting on the bench during the national anthem. This was a few years ago, and reading about it again through Malcom's eyes was discouraging, because Malcom chose to raise his fist as a form of protest. I lost respect for him. Protesting political stances with the goal of effecting change does not belong in sports.
I also hoped to be inspired to get off my rump and learn how to develop a form of discipline for myself, the discipline needed to make changes in one's lifestyle. Of course, I am 80 years old, so my options are much narrower than his were in the book. Still, I can dream, at ANY age. I wanted to get started on the road, the road to developing the daily discipline required to make important life changes of ANY kind. Well, Malcolm's life story couldn't get me off my backside and moving. I will keep looking for that missing ingredient in other books to come.
Still worth the read, just to get a better handle of who Malcom Jenkins really is. I am happy for him, that he made the wise decision to seek therapy when his mental status was in need of remediation. He found a good therapist, and made needed changes. Congratulations, Malcom.
May 25, 2024
Loved it! Early on when Malcolm mentioned how much he wanted to write a memoir I was fascinated. I mean this guy is a pro football player- and a defensive player at that. I always pictured defense as fierce competitors but not really interested in writing or reading. He shares his life story- alternating from childhood to adulthood with teams like the Saints and Eagles. If you write a story that even mentions Philadelphia I will eat that crap up. And even though it took like 150 pages to get there I was totally stoked. He described challenges that we (Philly) faced in the years leading up to our Super Bowl winning team :’). He even talks about a Philly/Seattle game in 2018 that I was at!!!! He shared some pretty great lessons learned and advice he got from the people around him. I though it was a lovely story and as a football fan I loved how he broke down games and specific plays. It breaks my heart that he left Philly on someone else’s terms and I hope this man knows that the fans still love him and appreciate everything he did for us. Also loved that he mentored CJGJ who ended up in Philly (twice!). Well done Malcolm, in the NFL and in life.
October 3, 2023
This book is perfect for someone who wants to know more about the behind-the-scenes action in the NFL, but that's not all this book has to offer. I was taken in by Malcolm's early life as a young athlete in high school and college. Then I found his experience as a rookie with The Saints wildly gripping--talk about being the right person for the right time. That was the year they won the Super Bowl. Then during the last third of the book, I really started to see what it means to be an athlete working at that level. Of course, there are the demands of the sport, but there is also an expectation that comes with that much notoriety and wealth. Malcom manages to navigate those parts of his life with humility and grace, in a way that is inviable. I would also recommend this one for those who want to know more about the Colin Kaepernick era of the NFL, and how sport ties directly to the Black Lives Matter protests of the 2020.
December 22, 2023
Quite well-written book about an American football-player and selected parts of his life (though only up until age 35 or something. Gotta write the book while the public remember you).
Gotta subtract a star for the misleading title. This is not so much about the less shiny parts about being a successful athlete as it's a play-by-play of Jenkins's greatest moments. I give him points for his passion, but also subtract a few for the random and rare bits of his personal life. I'd rather he just kept it out entirely, than came with random hints that never gets explained.
The flow around his life outside of the pitch is odd. Like he doesn't go into any detail about he started securing his long-term wealth or his foundation, suddenly they're just kind of there.
Anyway. It was fine, but not what I expected. Can be read without knowing more about American football than "'the line of scrimmage' is a giggle-worthy name for something."
Gotta subtract a star for the misleading title. This is not so much about the less shiny parts about being a successful athlete as it's a play-by-play of Jenkins's greatest moments. I give him points for his passion, but also subtract a few for the random and rare bits of his personal life. I'd rather he just kept it out entirely, than came with random hints that never gets explained.
The flow around his life outside of the pitch is odd. Like he doesn't go into any detail about he started securing his long-term wealth or his foundation, suddenly they're just kind of there.
Anyway. It was fine, but not what I expected. Can be read without knowing more about American football than "'the line of scrimmage' is a giggle-worthy name for something."
November 16, 2023
If there was a song to describe this book, it would be Jay-Z's "Holy Grail." Malcom's story is filled highlights, challenges, confidence, bravado, resilience and grit. As a die-soft football fan, it was interesting reading about the not-so glamorous details of what is required to be an elite pro-football athlete. Malcom shed some light on of the rare industries where there is a 100% physical injury rate for all players involve. They say you can't throw the baby out with the bath water and there's a lot dirty water in the journey to becoming a pro. The book has a lot of football jargon which MIGHT be a challenge for non-football fans, but the respect for the game and the story you gain will far outweigh that challenge.
November 27, 2023
Disclaimer: I’m not a football fan! I read this book thinking it was going to be even amount of information about his NFL career and activism in the community. His resiliency and determination to excel in his career was remarkable to read. But there were parts that could’ve been condensed and ideally add more parts about his activism work. I was really fascinated by the work he was doing within the community and the expansion of his company. I wish he expanded more about these topics in his book.
September 23, 2024
I enjoyed reading the book and especially liked learning all the details of the defensive player thinking, especially the narrative accompanying so many important plays from Super Bowls to just really good games. However, I would have liked to learn more about Malcolm, the man. If he had added as many details to his life story as he did to describing different plays, this would’ve been a much more powerful book. But in the end, I enjoyed learning more about Malcolm and will probably do more research to learn more about his story. Go Saints!
October 22, 2023
This book is very raw, and I appreciate he didn’t hold anything back. From almost joining a gang at a young age, his early struggles in the nfl, and suicidal thoughts after a super bowl win, Malcolm has lived a crazy life and I think any sports fan will love this book. It is very football heavy, so if you appreciate X’s and O’s you will love it. For others, it may drag in the middle. Thoroughly enjoyed it
October 25, 2023
I’m so glad I read this book. Not normally something I would pick I learned about what it takes to be a top athlete and navigate that space while juggling your own baggage and challenges. ((This can apply to any high performing space)) I recommend it especially to non sports fans as it gives insight we can all lbenefit from on overcoming obstacles to show up as your best self no matter how many times you have to get up and try again.
October 25, 2025
I'm biased as both an Eagles fan and an Omega, but I loved reading about Bro. Jenkins' journey from beginning to end. it was a bit scattered at times, as each chapter follows two separate timelines that he jumps back and forth between, but overall it is pretty cohesive and generally easy to follow along. I came away with many, many quotes from Bro. Jenkins, as well as those he quoted throughout. "It is not the critic who counts..."
January 17, 2024
At first it started out like a typical sports memoir. The first few chapters didn't really separate itself from other popular books, but after Jenkins left new Orleans and really stepped into his role as a leader and community advocate this started to shine. It was fascinating to see how all the decisions in his life fed into his football life and vice versa. All in all a good read.
November 28, 2024
If you love football, this book is only about football so you may enjoy it. I still don’t know what winners won’t tell you but I can tell you all about Malcom’s football career and all the plays he remembered. Maybe I missed the point but over 100 pages in and all I learned was Malcolm was shuffled around on his team and read about every play he remembered.
November 9, 2023
Being an Ohio State fan, it was hard not to give this read a higher rating. There are some great pearls of wisdom in this book. Not a fan of how he treated Drew Brees and not doing the full due diligence on his activism.
November 19, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I love hearing how high performance, high motor athletes operate. He had and continues to have a level head and the ability to look into the future. I feel like he may have another book in him waiting to be put to paper.
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November 29, 2024The book title is misleading. The book doesn’t explicitly offer any widely applicable life lessons. It’s a straight up sports memoir—a replay of games and plays and some life moments. That’s fine but for the book title.
May 24, 2025
Up until now my knowledge of Malcolm Jenkins was limited to that which occurred during his Eagles tenure; he was always a fierce competitor and natural leader. While I was happy to explore his years in midnight green even further, I found myself just as invested in the rest of #27’s story. His showcase of grit - ladened with authenticity - made for an excellent autobiography.
June 3, 2025
Fantastic read.
I fully expected a lot of football memories to come through. The obstacles Malcolm faced along the way were eye-opening.
And not a slight, but Malcolm is funnier than I expected as well.
I fully expected a lot of football memories to come through. The obstacles Malcolm faced along the way were eye-opening.
And not a slight, but Malcolm is funnier than I expected as well.
November 10, 2023
Respect
November 30, 2023
Enjoyed the play by play of the game and recalling some memorable Saints football games with Jenkins!!
January 22, 2024
As someone who watched Jenkins win in Philly it was really cool hearing his journey in life and football, how he ended up in Philly and the way he fell in love with the city!
September 5, 2024
I ate this up! Much heavier on football/defensive technique vs actual memoir content but still enjoyable and easy to digest. GO BIRDS 🦅
November 30, 2025
Malcom
Malcolm one of the best safety in the league. Thank you been the best what you did. I know you will do big things after you retired.
Malcolm one of the best safety in the league. Thank you been the best what you did. I know you will do big things after you retired.
January 31, 2024
I enjoyed a lot about this book, but the language was definitely an impediment. If you aren't a fan of language, skip this one. However, it's worth a behind-the-scenes view of football, coaching, and family if it doesn't bother you.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews