NEW ORLEANS, La. – University of the Incarnate Word football alum Alex Jenkins has joined the New Orleans Saints, the National Football League announced Thursday morning.
 
"My coaches and teammates at UIW were a huge part of me progressing to this level," Jenkins said. "The support they gave me was incredible, and I'm blessed to have played with such incredible people. This is a chance to develop and become a player in the NFL. It has been a pretty intense time. It feels too good to be true. I always thought I would be trying to do this on my own until NFL International found me. The fact that the Saints will be playing in London this season makes it even more exciting for me." Jenkins joins former Cardinal teammates Cole Wick and Myke Tavarres, who were signed by the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles last season.
 
"This is an important part of the league's overall strategy to grow internationally," NFL Executive Vice President of International & Events Mark Waller said. "We are building this pathway program to provide international athletes with the opportunity to play in the league, which will increase the pool of talent, inspire others and ultimately drive fan growth."
 
Jenkins spent the last three months training in Florida with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora and NFLUK Head of Football Development Adan Durde. The training was part of the league's new International Player Pathway program, and provided Jenkins the opportunity to work alongside NFL players and draft hopefuls.
 
"This is going to change people's lives," said Umenyiora. "They have a great opportunity. They are going to be seen not only by their new teams but by everyone who might imagine they can be NFL players. They will inspire people around the globe; people who never thought they had a chance to make it to the NFL. Now they see they have a viable pathway. These guys have worked very hard for this chance and I am confident they will make a great contribution to their teams while improving their skills and understanding of the game."
 
A native of Bath, England and former Rugby player, Jenkins learned about the sport of football by watching The Longest Yard and doing a google search. He began playing for the Bristol Aztecs at the Bath City Academy, before landing a spot on the Great Britain youth football team. After participating in an all-star high school camp in Virginia, Jenkins was offered and accepted a scholarship to UIW. This past season Jenkins registered 35 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss (43 yards), 3.5 sacks (27 yards), two blocked kicks, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. He finished the year ranked in the top-20 in the Southland Conference in both sacks and tackles for loss. Jenkins is a two-time SLC Commissioner's Honor Roll honoree and was named Second Team All-Southland as a senior.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals are scheduled to open their 2017 season in California with a matchup at Fresno State on Sept. 2. UIW's first action at Benson Stadium will come against archrival Abilene Christian on Sept. 30.
 
Fans can order season tickets by calling the UIW box office at 210-805-3000.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.