Jordan Mailata’s journey from a rugby field in Australia to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Born on March 31, 1997, in Bankstown, New South Wales, Mailata grew up playing rugby league for the Bankstown Bulls and later the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ Under-18s team
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. At 17, he was already a standout player, but a heart condition threatened to derail his promising rugby career
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Despite the setback, Mailata’s size and athleticism caught the attention of NFL scouts through the International Player Pathway Program, which aims to give international athletes a chance to join the American League
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. In 2018, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round, 233rd overall
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. This was a huge leap of faith for Mailata, who had never played a snap of American football before
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The transition wasn’t easy. Mailata had to learn the intricacies of the game from scratch, but his dedication and hard work paid off
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. By 2020, he earned a starting role on the offensive line, and his performance has only improved since then
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. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 365 pounds, Mailata is a formidable force on the field
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. His role as an offensive tackle is crucial, as he protects the quarterback’s blind side and creates openings for the running game
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Mailata’s rise to prominence in the NFL has been meteoric. In 2021, he signed a stunning $64 million, four-year contract extension with the Eagles, a testament to his rapid success and the trust the team has in him
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. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl as a second-team All-Pro in 2024
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Off the field, Mailata is known for his singing talent and has even appeared on shows like “The Masked Singer” and released a Christmas album with teammates
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. He’s also involved in charitable activities, supporting cancer research and raising funds for local charities
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Jordan Mailata’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of taking chances. From a rugby player in Australia to a key player in the NFL, his journey is an inspiration to many.
If you want to know more about Jordan Mailata, you can watch this YouTube video about his incredible journey.
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en.wikipedia.org
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Stadium Rant | MSN
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www.philadelphiaeagles.com
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