He began his professional career with Cardiff City, making his debut for the club in February 1930.
After two seasons as a reserve, he featured regularly for the club in the Third Division South between 1932 and 1934, making 87 appearances in all competitions before being released.
Jenkins was born in Cardiff, where his father worked as a blacksmith in a local steelworks before setting up his own milk business.
He was invited to a trial and joined the club in 1930, making his professional debut on 4 February 1930 in a 2–1 defeat to Bradford City in the Second Division.
[3] Following his release, Jenkins was offered a contract with Tottenham Hotspur but rejected the move as he felt "there were better prospects in the milk business.