Jordan Mailata
Mailata in 2022
Born
Lafoga Jordan Mailata

(1997-03-31) 31 March 1997
Bankstown, Australia
American football career
No. 68 – Philadelphia Eagles
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Height:6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight:365 lb (166 kg)
Career information
High school:Condell Park (Condell Park, New South Wales)
College:None
NFL Draft:2018 / Round: 7 / Pick: 233
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Games played:62
Games started:57
Forced fumbles:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR
Rugby league career
Playing information
PositionProp
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2017 South Sydney U-20s 12 8 0 0 32
Source: [1]
As of 24 December 2018

Lafoga Jordan Mailata (/maɪˈlɑːtɑː/;[2] born 31 March 1997) is an Australian professional athlete who currently plays American football as an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played rugby league for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs under-18s team and the South Sydney Rabbitohs on their under-20s team. He joined the NFL via the league's International Player Pathway Program and was selected in the seventh round, 233rd overall by the Eagles in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Rugby league career

Jordan Mailata grew up playing rugby league for the Bankstown Bulls, and was selected for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' Under 18s team in 2015. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are a professional rugby league side founded in 1934, and participate in the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia.[3] In 2014, Mailata fainted during a pre-season training session, one week before the Bulldog's first scheduled game in the S.G. Ball Cup. The S.G. Ball Cup is an Under-18s rugby league football competition which is hosted in New South Wales.[4] This required surgery to repair both the upper and lower chambers of his heart. He went on hiatus from rugby league for over a year. During this time, it was reported that Mailata had jumped from 147 kilograms to 166 kilograms.[4] After coming back from surgery, Mailata and his two brothers Daniel and Moana played rugby league for Five Dock RSL Junior Rugby League in Five Dock, at the A-grade level in the Balmain competition. It was in this competition that Mailata attracted the attention of Ben Rogers, a recruitment agent for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.[4]

Mailata was then offered the opportunity to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs' U20s team in 2017.[4] The South Sydney Rabbitohs offered Mailata a one-year contract worth $5000 to play for the North Sydney Bears. The North Sydney Bears had a partnership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in which they served as the Rabbitohs reserve grade team. This partnership was intact from 2007 until 2018, when the agreement ended.[4] It has been stated that Mailata was only offered a reserve-grade contract due to fitness and conditioning concerns. The South Sydney coaching staff did not believe that Mailata would be able to physically keep up with the pace and nature of professional rugby league, due to the free-flowing play and limited stoppages in games. Mailata was given the advice from his agency to "play a sport that appreciates his size".[5] Ultimately, Mailata declined the contract from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.[4] There was no bad sentiment between Mailata and the Rabbitohs after the contract offer, as Mailata stated "They gave me a chance. Without them, I wouldn't be here".[4]

American football career

Pre-draft

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeight40-yard dash20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillBench press
6 ft 7+3⁄4 in
(2.03 m)		 346 lb
(157 kg)		 5.12 s4.67 s6.76 s22 reps
[6][7]
Mailata playing for the Eagles in 2020.

After seeing video clips of him playing rugby league, NFL executives invited Mailata to try out for their International Player Pathway Program. Mailata had never played American football and admitted that his knowledge of the game was minimal, and also stated that he would watch only one NFL game a year, the Super Bowl. In February 2018, he went to IMG Academy in Florida to train under the supervision and guidance of coach Aden Durde. During this training he was scouted by Jeff Stoutland, the offensive line coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.[8] During the player introductions for NBC Sunday Night Football, Mailata pays credit to Stoutland's mentorship, saying he attended "Jeff Stoutland University", having had no collegiate football experience before entering the NFL.

NFL scouts evaluated Mailata as a 5.5 prospect grade, which equates to a practice squad player with a chance to make the bottom-end of the official NFL roster.[9] Pre-draft scouting reports written about Mailata evaluated him as a "work in progress", and gave him the pro player comparison of Conor McDermott of the New York Jets.[10]

In March 2018, Mailata attended a combine at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice facility, at One Buc Place. The combine participants included 5 other international NFL prospects like Mailata, as well as a host of top-ranked college football prospects who did not receive an invite to the official NFL Combine. Several general managers of NFL teams were present, including Jason Licht of the Buccaneers and Rick Spielman of the Minnesota Vikings.[11]

Mailata received doubts from scouts through the NFL drafting process and combine, as his weaknesses were listed as "will require an extensive period of development to learn technique", and "has never played a single down of American football".[9] However, scouts did see positives in Mailata as they described him to have "very good physical traits" and "a tremendous size with a frame that carries weight well" due to his 6-foot-8 stature.[9] IMG Academy strength and conditioning trainer Jay Butler stated that he had "never had anybody that looks like that" in reference to Mailata's sub-20% body fat percentage and physical attributes.[5] Mailata was also extremely quick for his frame, as he recorded a 5.12 second time in the 40-yard dash at the combine, which was the 7th best time recorded for tackles at the NFL combine in February 2018.[12] Mailata also managed to record a 4.67 second time for the short shuttle, which would have equated to a top-10 score amongst left tackles at the official NFL combine. Additionally, Mailata was able to achieve 22 reps at the combine bench press. In response to his own performance, Mailata felt optimistic as he hoped that coaches would get "a chance to see the progress I have made as I try to master the position."[11]

Philadelphia Eagles

Mailata was selected by the Eagles with the 233rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.[13] Mailata became the second player to be drafted with no American high school or college experience after German Moritz Böhringer, following the path of compatriot Jarryd Hayne, who also converted from rugby league. Mailata signed a four-year deal worth $2.5 million with a signing bonus of $89,392.[14]

Mailata said that the biggest mental hurdle when transitioning from rugby league to the NFL was the extensive playbook. He stated that when he first started training camp with the Eagles, he was handed a playbook and that it felt like "a different language."[15] On 1 September 2018, Mailata made the initial 53-man roster for the Eagles.[16] On 14 December 2018, Mailata was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a back injury categorised as a stress fracture, which ended his rookie season before appearing in any games.[17]

After missing the first two games of the 2019 season with a back injury, Mailata was placed on injured reserve again on 21 September 2019.[18]

Mailata was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Eagles on 29 July 2020.[19] He was activated from the list on 13 August 2020.[20] On 13 September, Mailata made his NFL debut against the Washington Football Team, replacing injured rookie Jack Driscoll in the third quarter.[21] Mailata made his first start for the Eagles in week 4 of the 2020 season against the San Francisco 49ers, due to an injury to Jason Peters.[22] On 1 November 2020, against the Cowboys, Mailata sustained a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaylon Smith.[23] On 2 January 2021, Mailata was deemed unable to play against the Washington Football Team due to the concussion, ending Mailata's season with 15 appearances and 10 starts for the Eagles.[24] Mailata ended the 2020 season as a top-15 offensive tackle in the NFL from week 11, as graded by Pro Football Focus.[25] Over the course of the 2020 season, Mailata led the Eagles in fewest sacks allowed amongst offensive linemen, allowing just 7. Mailata also led Eagles offensive linemen in pass pro snaps with 502, equating to a pass pro snaps per sack score of 71.7, which was third best on the Eagles behind Lane Johnson and Jack Driscoll.[26]

On 31 August 2021, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni named Mailata the starter at left tackle for the 2021 NFL season.[27] On 11 September 2021, Mailata signed a four-year, USD$64 million contract including $40.85 million guaranteed.[28]

On 21 December 2022, Mailata was named an NFC Pro Bowl alternate.[29] Mailata helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 38–35.[30]

His success has seen him frequently described by the media as a human "wrecking ball".[31][32][33]

Music

Since joining the Eagles, Mailata has been noted for his singing ability.[34] In 2022, Mailata competed in season 7 of The Masked Singer as "Thingamabob" of Team Cuddly. He was eliminated alongside Jorge Garcia as "Cyclops" of Team Bad.[35] During the 2022 offseason, he recorded a Christmas album titled A Philly Special Christmas along with teammates Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin.[36] A sequel, A Philly Special Christmas Special, was released in December 2023.[37]

Personal life

Jordan Mailata is the son of Samoan immigrants to Australia and was born in Bankstown, Sydney, an LGA, characterised by its high concentration of Samoan immigrants. Mailata has three brothers and one sister, as well as a niece named Eraia. He retains Australian and New Zealand citizenship.[38]

Mailata's middle name Jordan was given to him by his sister after the basketball superstar Michael Jordan.[39]

Mailata is sponsored by Australian clothing company Johnny Bigg, which specialises in clothes for people with larger frames.[40]

Mailata graduated at Condell Park High School.

He married Niki Ikahihifo in Maui in July 2023.[41] Ikahihifo is a lawyer.

After Mailata appeared on his teammate Jason Kelce's podcast and mentioned that he identifies as Australian but he's not a citizen of the country, Australia's Prime Minister Albanese said he would "fast track" citizenship for Mailata.[42]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Walter, Brad (20 March 2018). "Ex-Rabbitohs man mountain keen for NFL shot". National Rugby League. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  2. ↑ "Bankstown Kid: The Story of Jordan Mailata". YouTube. NFL Films. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  3. ↑ "Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs". National Rugby League. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Webster, Andrew (5 September 2018). "How Mailata rejected Souths' $5000 offer, only to score $3.5m NFL deal". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  5. 1 2 Sokolove, Michael (17 September 2019). "Can the N.F.L. Turn a 360-Pound Rugby Player Into a Football Star?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  6. ↑ "2018 NFL Draft Scout Jordan Mailata College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  7. ↑ "Mike Mayock's analysis of Jordan Mailata's athleticism". YouTube.com. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  8. ↑ Sokolove, Michael (17 September 2019). "Can the N.F.L. Turn a 360-Pound Rugby Player Into a Football Star?". New York Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 "Jordan Mailata Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  10. ↑ Miller, Matt (28 April 2018). "Jordan Mailata NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Philadelphia Eagles' Pick". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  11. 1 2 "Massive rugby player Jordan Mailata impresses scouts at pro day". NFL.com. 29 March 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  12. ↑ Kempski, Jimmy (29 April 2018). "Philadelphia Eagles 2018 draft grades". PhillyVoice. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  13. ↑ Knoblauch, Austin (28 April 2018). "Eagles draft Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata". NFL.com. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  14. ↑ Bishara, Motez (20 November 2018). "'He's 'a freak athlete': The unlikely NFL journey of an Aussie rugby giant". CNN.com. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  15. ↑ "Jordan Mailata Discusses the Nuances Behind His Transition to Football". YouTube.com. Eagles One-On-One. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  16. ↑ Gowton, Brandon Lee (1 September 2018). "Jordan Mailata makes the Eagles' 53-man roster". BleedingGreenNation. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  17. ↑ McPherson, Chris (14 December 2018). "Eagles Place Jordan Mailata On Injured Reserve". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  18. ↑ McPherson, Chris (21 September 2019). "Eagles promote WR Greg Ward from the practice squad, place Jordan Mailata on Injured Reserve". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  19. ↑ McPherson, Chris (29 July 2020). "Eagles place three players on Reserve/COVID-19 list". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  20. ↑ McPherson, Chris (13 August 2020). "Eagles activate Jordan Mailata from the Reserve/COVID-19 list". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  21. ↑ Savage, Nic (13 September 2020). "156kg Australian Jordan Mailata shines on NFL debut for the Philadelphia Eagles". News.com.au. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  22. ↑ Domowitch, Paul (5 October 2020). "Jordan Mailata was ready when the Eagles finally called his number". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  23. ↑ Gallen, Daniel (28 December 2020). "Eagles injury updates: Jordan Mailata in the concussion protocol, Derek Barnett could return for finale and more". pennlive. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  24. ↑ Zangaro, Dave (2 January 2021). "Jaylon Smith not fined for helmet hit that gave Mailata a concussion". NBC Sports Philadelphia. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  25. ↑ Myles, Conor (19 February 2021). "Jordan Mailata Proved he Should Start in 2021". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  26. ↑ Kempski, Jimmy (19 April 2021). "Eagles player review: Jordan Mailata edition". PhillyVoice. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  27. ↑ Zangaro, Dave (31 August 2021). "Eagles finally name their starting left tackle for 2021". NBC Sports Philadelphia. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  28. ↑ Grant, Gordon (11 September 2021). "Eagles sign OT Jordan Mailata to four-year, $64M extension". NFL.com. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  29. ↑ Zangaro, Dave (22 December 2022). "Ranking the Eagles' five biggest Pro Bowl snubs". NBC Sports Philadelphia. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  30. ↑ "Super Bowl LVII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  31. ↑ McKern, James (15 July 2018). "Jordan Mailata's remarkable journey from the NRL to the NFL". News.com.au. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  32. ↑ Sherry, Max (19 October 2020). "Jordan Mailata's Bulldozing Tackle Sends NFL Fans Into A Frenzy". Sport Bible. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  33. ↑ Jackson, Andrew (29 October 2021). "How Aussie rugby league 'wrecking ball' Jordan Mailata went from operating table to $86m NFL dream". Fox Sports. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  34. ↑ Lee Gowton, Brandon (11 August 2021). "Everyone is rediscovering that Jordan Mailata can really sing". Bleeding Green Nation. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  35. ↑ Quigley, Ryan (24 March 2022). "Thingamabob revealed on The Masked Singer, turns out to be Jordan Mailata". NBC Sports Philadelphia. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  36. ↑ Nivision, Austin (19 October 2022). "Eagles' Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata to release 'A Philly Special Christmas' album". CBS Sports. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  37. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (11 December 2023). "Philadelphia Eagles' 'A Philly Special Christmas Special' Charity Album Scores Big on Billboard Charts". Billboard. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  38. ↑ Bowen, Les (8 October 2020). "Since leaving Australia, Eagles' Jordan Mailata has plenty of chances to sink, but now, 'I'm swimming,' he says". Inquirer.com. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  39. ↑ "Rugby star Jordan Mailata hoping to hear name at NFL draft". NFL.com. 25 April 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  40. ↑ "Big and Tall Men's Clothing and Footwear | Johnny Bigg US". johnnybigg.com. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  41. ↑ Kracz, Ed (4 July 2023). "'Isn't She Lovely?' Mailata Gets Married". Sports Illustrated Philadelphia Eagles News, Analysis and More. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  42. ↑ March, Lochlahn (15 November 2023). "How Travis Kelce convinced Taylor Swift's dad to abandon his Eagles fandom, and more 'New Heights' highlights". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
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