The New Orleans Saints got a sack from an unlikely source Thursday night when defensive end Alex Jenkins took down Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer early in the third quarter.
Jenkins, a native of Bath, England, is part of the NFL’s International Pathway program -- which grants him a bonus spot as the 91st player on the offseason roster and an 11th spot on the practice squad in-season.
He still has a lot to learn about the NFL game, though -- like how to celebrate a sack. Jenkins barely reacted with a subdued double fist-pump before teammates rushed over to start patting him on the helmet.
“It was great,” Jenkins told the Saints’ website after the game. “I feel like I can improve the celebration a little bit, but I was just kind of in the moment. I didn’t know what to do with my body or my hands.
“I’m gonna have to get with the guys and get some pointers on that.”
Jenkins said he wasn’t even expecting to be in Thursday’s game that early, but an injury to Obum Gwacham thrust him into the action – and Jenkins took advantage.
The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder got around Browns right tackle Zach Sterup and hit Kizer from behind after Kizer held on to the ball too long. Then he followed up later by batting down a pass.
“I’m not gonna lie to you, I was [feeling nerves]. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for years. It’s been my dream to go out there,” said Jenkins, who played college ball in America at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio.
“I feel like there’s a lot I need to improve. I got in the backfield a few times, but I still feel like my talent is very raw. ... So I feel like this is a really good start, but I can definitely improve on it.”
