Kris Jenkins Training camp diary

Posted on Wed, Aug. 10, 2005






Kris Jenkins | Training camp diary


As part of his new community relations project, "Tackling Life's Obstacles," defensive tackle Kris Jenkins paid the way for more than 50 children from Right Moves For Youth, a Charlotte-based foundation that works with underprivileged kids, to bus to Spartanburg and watch practice. He also treated them to lunch and got some teammates to pay a visit. Jenkins discusses the pleasure he gets from giving to children and also offers etiquette tips for autograph seekers:

I'm getting a little older now and actually realizing the impact I have on the community. I wasn't ready to start my own foundation because that's a lot of work and we're coming up on the start of the season. But I wanted to start doing something, so I've been working with Right Moves for Youth.

It's cool. They're urban kids from Charlotte, and I wanted to give them a chance to do some things. I thought it would be cool to bring some kids down to see what camp is like.

Some of the kids from those areas would never get a chance to see something like this otherwise. It wasn't anything too extravagant. I just wanted to let them come and see a practice. Everybody on the defensive line stopped over and signed some autographs for them and talked to some of the kids and their families. They got to eat. The ribs were good. (The Panthers will) deduct it out of my check. But it was cool.

It was a chance to give something back. It might not reach every kid. But, for the ones it can help out, that's cool for me because I'm able to give back a little bit of what I got when I was younger. ...

It was a breath of fresh air because on the flip side, some of the things you see with autographs aren't a breath of fresh air. I like to say they need to come out with a book called "Autograph Etiquette." I guess because they come out to practice they automatically assume we're supposed to sign their autographs. Sometimes, the way they do it is borderline disrespectful to the players. You can't scream at a player. Ask them nice. Guys are tired and they're coming off the field.

I have no problem signing autographs. But the manner in which some of the kids and adults come up and just say, "Sign this!" Being an athlete, you don't want to look like the bad guy. But, at the same time, you want somebody to respect you.

The thing I don't like is when adults use kids to get autographs and then they turn around and sell them or they're pushing the kids out of the way so they can get autographs and sell them. ... That's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for that kid. Don't mess that up for them.

 

I can see his point. Was at practice last week and he sorta just ignored a bunch of people who were simply screaming at him to sign something. He comes off a little arogant, but when you take a moment to think about it there is not much motivation to stay in 90+ degree heat to sign something for some jerk that says 'Hey you, sign this!'. Even more so when it is some 15 year old punk!

 

I can see his point to some extent too but when you have guys like Hoover out there who take the time to do it and even chat with fans it is hard to understand.

 

Actually I saw Brad walking off last week and a bunch of teenage kids were shouting HOOV and Hey man, sign my ball and he kept walking. I said very politely Mr Hoover and he walked over. I was also holding a 3 year old boy which may have helped my cause.

I mean Peppers and Jenkins got a rep about this stuff. Peppers is the worst since he always asks how much you going to get on EBay anytime you want something signed. Steve Smith will sign most things, but you have to have an act of congress to get him to sign 8x10 photos. While others will go until thier hand gives out. Everyone is different I guess.

The only reason I am hounding for them right now is to put in my sons Panther room. Would like to cover an entire wall with Panther autographed photos.

 

I've asked Jenkins twice, respectfully both times, and both times he signed my items. Peppers on the other hand, it's hard to get his attention.

I'm in the same boat as Pantherfanz, I'm doing my sons room in Panthers autographed mini helmets (with some Panther player college helmets mixed in)
we have about 180 right now. I'm building a display wall.

 

Hoover has always been great any time I have been down there. I am sure no one will sign for you if you are rude though. Jake was nice to us too and signed stuff for us. I never really tried to get Peppers or Jenkins. I basically just got them from guys who walked over to the fence and signed. I did not yell at anyone.