E.J. Jenkins, a towering tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, has carved a unique path in the NFL. From his record-breaking high school days to overcoming the challenges of going undrafted, Jenkins’ journey is a testament to perseverance.
In this article, we break down his personal life, career highlights, financial standing, and more.
E.J. Jenkins‘ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emanuel E. “EJ” Jenkins |
| Born | November 3, 1998 (Fredericksburg, Virginia) |
| Age (2025) | 26 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’6” (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 245 lbs (111 kg) |
| College | Georgia Tech (Graduate Studies) |
| Position | Tight End |
| Turned Pro | 2023 (Undrafted) |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$1 million |
| Salary (2025) | $960,000 |
| Relationship Status | Dating Taylor Grimes (Professional Track Athlete) |
| Instagram Profile | @_ejenkins (7.8K followers) |
Early Career
E.J. Jenkins attended Chancellor High School in Virginia, where he became a football and basketball standout. As a senior, he caught 44 passes for 1,002 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning Free Lance-Star Male Athlete of the Year honors.
His dominance led to five school records, including career receiving yards (4,310) and touchdowns (37). Despite initial plans to join Old Dominion, he opted for Saint Francis University, where he played alongside high school teammate Jason Brown.
At Saint Francis, Jenkins redshirted in 2017 but exploded in 2019 with 39 receptions for 779 yards and 13 touchdowns, setting a single-season school record. After the 2020 COVID-19 season cancellation, he transferred to South Carolina in 2021 and later to Georgia Tech in 2022, where he transitioned to tight end.
Professional Career
Undrafted in 2023, Jenkins signed with the New York Jets but was waived after preseason. The Philadelphia Eagles picked him up for their practice squad, and he bounced between the Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders before securing a spot on the Eagles’ active roster in December 2024.
His defining moment came in Week 18 of the 2024 season, catching his first NFL touchdown—a 7-yard pass against the New York Giants.
Girlfriend
Jenkins is dating Taylor Grimes, a professional track and field athlete. The couple keeps their relationship private, with no public details about engagement or children.
Grimes, known for her athletic career, frequently supports Jenkins at games.
E.J. Jenkins’ Net Worth Details
E.J. Jenkins’ net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025, primarily accumulated through his NFL contracts.
Contract
E.J. Jenkins signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, valued at $1,755,000. The deal includes an average annual salary of $877,500, with no guaranteed money or signing bonus reported.
For the 2024 season, Jenkins earned a base salary of $795,000 and carried a cap hit of $220,833. In 2025, he is set to earn a base salary of $960,000 with a matching cap hit.
Jenkins will become an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) in 2026, allowing the Eagles to retain him if they choose to extend a qualifying offer. This contract reflects his role as a developmental player on the Eagles’ roster.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | New York Jets / Raiders | $122,000 | $10,000 | $132,000 | $132,000 |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | $795,000 | – | $795,000 | $927,000 |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Eagles | $960,000 | – | $960,000 | $1,887,000 |
Total Career Earnings
- Base Salary: $1,877,000
- Signing Bonus: $10,000
- Grand Total: $1,887,000
Career Stats
College Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games Played (GP) | Receptions (REC) | Receiving Yards (YDS) | Touchdowns (TD) | Longest Reception (LNG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Saint Francis Red Flash | 11 | 5 | 52 | 0 | – |
| 2019 | Saint Francis Red Flash | 12 | 39 | 779 | 13 | – |
| 2021 | South Carolina Gamecocks | 12 | 8 | 117 | 1 | 30 |
| 2022 | Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | 12 | 17 | 316 | 3 | – |
| Total | 47 | 69 | 1,264 | 17 | – |
NFL Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games Played (GP) | Receptions (REC) | Receiving Yards (YDS) | Touchdowns (TD) | Longest Reception (LNG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | New York Jets | Preseason Only | – | – | – | – |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | 8 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Total | 8 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 |
Highlights
- In college, Jenkins had a breakout season in 2019 at Saint Francis, recording a school-record 13 receiving touchdowns.
- In the NFL, Jenkins caught his first career pass and touchdown in Week 18 of the 2024 season with the Eagles.
This table reflects Jenkins’ development from a standout college player to a contributor in the NFL.
FAQs
1. Who is E.J. Jenkins?
E.J. Jenkins is a 26-year-old NFL tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, born November 3, 1998. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 245 lbs, he entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has played for the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Eagles.
2. What college did E.J. Jenkins attend?
Jenkins played college football at Saint Francis (Pa.), South Carolina, and Georgia Tech. He recorded 44 receptions for 831 yards at Saint Francis and later transitioned to tight end at Georgia Tech, finishing with 17 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns in his final collegiate season.
3. How did E.J. Jenkins perform in the 2024 NFL season?
In 2024, Jenkins appeared in eight games for the Eagles, catching one pass for seven yards and a touchdown. He primarily served as a backup tight end, earning playing time after Dallas Goedert’s injury.
4. What is E.J. Jenkins’ contract status?
Jenkins signed a two-year, $1.76 million contract with the Eagles in 2024. For the 2025 season, he will earn a $960,000 base salary with a $960,000 cap hit, becoming an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) in 2026.
5. Why did E.J. Jenkins switch from wide receiver to tight end?
Jenkins transitioned to tight end in the NFL due to his 6’6″ frame, which suited the position’s physical demands. He played wide receiver at Saint Francis and South Carolina before moving to tight end at Georgia Tech to better align with NFL scouting expectations.
6. What are E.J. Jenkins’ career highlights?
His career highlights include a touchdown reception in Week 18 of the 2024 season, his first NFL score. In college, he set Saint Francis’ single-season receiving touchdown record (13) and was named preseason All-NEC in 2020.
7. What is E.J. Jenkins’ Madden NFL 25 rating?
Jenkins has a 58 overall rating in Madden NFL 25, with standout attributes in speed (85) and spectacular catch (77). His archetype is listed as a “Vertical Threat” tight end.
8. How did E.J. Jenkins join the Eagles’ active roster?
He was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster on December 7, 2024, after Dallas Goedert’s knee injury. Jenkins had previously been elevated three times, reaching the NFL’s practice squad elevation limit.
9. What records did E.J. Jenkins set in high school?
At Chancellor High School (VA), Jenkins set records for career receiving yards (4,310), touchdowns (37), and single-season touchdowns (16). He also excelled in basketball, averaging 21.5 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior.
10. What is E.J. Jenkins’ playing style?
Jenkins is a hybrid tight end known for his size and vertical threat capability. His background as a wide receiver contributes to his route-running and catching skills, while his frame aids in red-zone matchups and blocking assignments.
