The Philadelphia Eagles players win on and off the field

First-time Super Bowl Champions the Philadelphia Eagles have showcased this year how strong leadership on the field can be mirrored off it through community programs and initiatives.

After a year of controversial protest, it seemed fitting that players who have been at the forefront of a new civil rights movement would help lead the way to a franchise’s first Super Bowl title. And that after selflessly helping others, those players would be rewarded with more than they could have envisioned.

As the celebrations began, it sank in that safety Malcolm Jenkins, defensive end Chris Long and wide receiver Torrey Smith had delivered all season both on behalf of their teammates in the locker room as well as people in underprivileged communities. That’s called winning on and off the field.

Although many Eagles players were active in trying to make a difference out there, Jenkins, Long and Smith set the tone through their work with the Players Coalition, the main group of players who protested during the national anthem to shine a light on racial injustice.

Besides his ongoing efforts championing criminal justice reform, Jenkins also played a key part in reaching an unprecedented proposed $90 million social justice partnership with the NFL.

Chris Long donated his entire 2017 salary to charity, and was last week selected as the winner of the Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the NFL Players Association’s highest honor for players who have made a major impact through their charitable efforts.

“When you believe that something is important, when you see people in a position they shouldn’t be in because of things that are wrong with our criminal justice system, you should work to change it,” said Smith, who had five catches for 49 yards against the Patriots.

“As athletes, we have a platform we can use to help people. And winning only makes your platform bigger. But I think what we’ve shown this year is that you can have a lot of guys on a team who are out there in the community doing things — but they’re also doing their jobs.”