Jordan Mailata Biography: From Rugby To NFL

Jordan Mailata‘s journey from playing rugby league in Australia to becoming a starting left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL is remarkable. Despite having no prior experience in American football, Mailata’s physical attributes and work ethic caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Since then, he has become a fan favorite for his on-field performance and off-field personality, including his singing ability. In this blog, we will look at Jordan Mailata biography, from his rugby league career to his rise in the NFL, and explore what makes him a unique and inspiring athlete.

Early Life and Rugby League Career in Australia

Jordan Mailata was born to Samoan immigrant parents on March 31, 1997, in Bankstown, Sydney. Growing up, rugby league was a significant part of the Mailata family’s traditions, and his three brothers played the sport.

Mailata attended Bankstown Public School and later enrolled at Condell Park High School, where he played rugby league and basketball.

After completing high school, Mailata played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ SG Ball team, a junior rugby league competition in Australia. He then signed a contract with the team, where he played for the under-20s team. Despite his potential, Mailata’s rugby league career was cut short when he decided to pursue a career in American football.

Discovery and Transition to American Football

Mailata’s transition to American football began in 2017 when he participated in an International Player Pathway program in Florida. The program was designed to showcase international athletes’ talents to NFL scouts and coaches.

Mailata’s physical attributes, including his 6’8″ height, caught the attention of NFL scouts, who saw potential in him as an offensive lineman.

Despite having no prior experience in American football, Mailata received offers from several NFL teams to participate in their pre-draft workouts. In preparation for the workouts, Mailata worked with a former NFL player and offensive line coach, Duke Manyweather, to learn the fundamentals of the position. Mailata’s performance at the workouts led to his selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

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Draft Day and Early Years with the Philadelphia Eagles

Despite being a seventh-round pick, Mailata’s selection by the Philadelphia Eagles generated significant media attention due to his lack of experience in American football. After being drafted, Mailata signed a four-year contract with the Eagles worth $2.5 million with a signing bonus of $89,392.

Mailata faced mental hurdles transitioning from rugby league to the NFL, mainly due to the extensive playbook. He made the initial 53-man roster for the Eagles in 2018 but was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a back injury. He was placed on injured reserve again in 2019 and on the reserve/COVID-19 list in 2020.

Despite these setbacks, Mailata continued to work hard and improve his skills. He made his NFL debut in 2020 and became the starter at left tackle for the 2021 NFL season. Mailata’s performance in his first season as a starter earned him recognition as one of the top left tackles in the league.

In September 2021, Mailata signed a four-year, $64 million contract, including $40.85 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid left tackles in the NFL.

Overcoming Challenges and Making an Impact on the Field

Mailata’s journey to becoming a starting left tackle in the NFL was challenging. His lack of experience in American football made it difficult for him to adjust to the extensive playbook and the game’s physical demands. Additionally, Mailata faced several injuries early in his career, which forced him to miss significant playing time.

Jordan Mailata Biography. Image Source: Instagram.

Despite these setbacks, Mailata remained determined and worked hard to improve his skills. He credits his success to his work ethic, which he developed during his rugby league career. Mailata’s size and athleticism make him a formidable presence on the field, and he has earned a reputation as a “human wrecking ball” for his ability to overpower defenders.

Mailata’s performance on the field has earned him recognition as one of the top left tackles in the league. In addition to signing a lucrative contract extension in 2021, he was named an NFC Pro Bowl alternate in December 2022 and helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. Mailata’s journey from playing rugby league in Australia to becoming a starting left tackle in the NFL is a testament to his hard work, determination, and perseverance.

Off-Field Personality and Singing Ability

Jordan Mailata is known off the football field for his outgoing personality and singing ability. His teammates often describe him as a fun-loving, friendly guy with a great sense of humor and a contagious positive attitude. Mailata is an engaging and charismatic individual who lights the room with infectious energy.

Mailata’s singing ability has also gained him a lot of attention. He has been known to entertain his teammates with his vocals and has even performed in public occasionally. His singing ability was so impressive that he competed in the seventh season of The Masked Singer as “Thingamabob” of Team Cuddly. Although he was eventually eliminated, he impressed the judges and the audience with his talent.

Mailata’s passion for music extends beyond just singing. In the 2022 offseason, he collaborated with his Eagles teammates, Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin, to record a Christmas album titled A Philly Special Christmas. The album features the players singing classic Christmas carols with their unique twist.

 

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Mailata’s off-field personality and singing ability make him a fan favorite on and off the football field. His infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook on life have endeared him to many, and his singing ability only adds to his charm. Whether entertaining his teammates or performing in public, Mailata’s talent and charisma make him stand out.

Legacy and Future in the NFL

Jordan Mailata’s legacy in the NFL is still in its early stages, but he has already made an impact as a player and a personality. His journey from a rugby league player with no American football experience to a starting left tackle in the NFL is nothing short of remarkable, and it has earned him a lot of respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Mailata’s physical attributes and quickness have impressed NFL scouts, and his performance on the field has shown that he has the potential to be a dominant player in the league. He has also shown versatility by playing both left and right tackle positions, which adds to his value.

Mailata’s engaging personality and singing ability have made him a fan favorite off the field. His positive outlook on life and infectious energy have endeared him to many, and his Christmas album collaboration with his Eagles teammates demonstrates his willingness to engage with the community and give back.

As Mailata’s career progresses, seeing how he develops as a player will be interesting. With his physical tools and work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the best tackles in the league. If he continues to improve his technique and gain experience, he could become a Hall of Famer.

In terms of his future in the NFL, Mailata’s recent four-year, USD$64 million contract extension with the Eagles shows that the team has faith in his abilities and sees him as a critical piece of their future. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line for years.

Overall, Jordan Mailata’s legacy in the NFL is still unfolding, but he has already made an impact as both a player and a personality. His journey from rugby league to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and his future looks bright as he continues to develop as a player.

References

Bugden, S., & Australia, B. S. B. F. D. M. (2023, January 2). Disaster for Aussie NFL star Jordan Mailata as his parents see him for the first time in three years. Mail Online. 

Jordan Mailata (OT): Bio, News, Stats & more. (n.d.).

Bowen, L. (2020, October 9). Since leaving Australia, Eagles’ Jordan Mailata has plenty of chances to sink, but now, ‘I’m swimming,’ he says.

Mike Kaye, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. (2019, May 3). Can Eagles’ Andre Dillard excel as run blocker? ‘Ask the Expert’ with Duke Manyweather. Nj.

Gowton, B. L. (2018, September 1). Jordan Mailata makes the Eagles’ 53-man roster. Bleeding Green Nation.

Nivison, A. (2022, October 19). Eagles’ Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata to release “A Philly Special Christmas” album – CBSSports.com