Walt Jenkins

Dr. Walter B. Jenkins (December 9, 1930 – April 28, 2021) was an American professional football defensive lineman who played one season with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wayne University and was selected by the Lions in the ninth round of the 1955 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union.

Early life Walter B. Jenkins was born on December 9, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan.

Professional career Jenkins was selected by the Detroit Lions in the ninth round, with the 108th overall pick, of the 1955 NFL draft. He played in two games for the Lions during the 1955 season before being released on October 3, 1955.

Jenkins played in six games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union in 1956.

Personal life Jenkins earned a Bachelor of Science and a Ph.D from Wayne State, and a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University.

Jenkins worked as an educator in the Detroit Public Schools system after his football career. He was the principal of Cooley High School and Detroit Northern High School. He was also the boys basketball coach at Kettering High School.

He died on April 28, 2021, in Detroit at the age of 90.