10:33 am - February 25, 2025
From Rugby to the NFL: The Unlikely Rise of Jordan Mailata
A Super Bowl Introduction and a Life-Changing Decision
Ten years ago, Jordan Mailata, a then-17-year-old Australian, watched his first Super Bowl, but it wasn’t the football that caught his attention—it was Beyoncé’s halftime show. At the time, rugby was his passion, and American football was a distant concept. Yet, life had other plans. Two years later, Mailata, standing at 6-foot-8-inch and weighing 365 pounds, made the bold decision to leave professional rugby behind and pursue a career in football, a sport he had never played. Fast forward to 2025, and Mailata is now a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles, earning a three-year, $66 million contract extension and contributing to historic performances, including helping running back Saquon Barkley achieve over 2,000 rushing yards. His journey is nothing short of remarkable, and as he prepares for his second Super Bowl, he remains in awe of how far he has come. “I cannot believe how far I’ve come. I can’t believe I’m still here. I can’t believe I’m sitting at this desk with you guys right now at my second Super Bowl,” he told reporters. “Hopefully, we can finish the job.”
The Foundation of Greatness: Hard Work and Sacrifice
Professional athletes don’t rise to the top by accident; their journeys are paved with years of hard work, sacrifices, and relentless perseverance. For Mailata, this was no different, though he initially envisioned his future in rugby. To support himself while chasing his rugby dreams, he worked odd jobs—flipping burgers at McDonald’s, working at a supermarket, and even doing demolition work. Despite his massive frame, rugby’s demands took a toll on his body, limiting him to a substitute role where his power could be utilized in the final minutes of a match. Yet, it was this same size and strength that caught the attention of NFL scouts, offering him an opportunity he couldn’t ignore. Moving to the other side of the world to play a sport he barely understood was a daunting prospect, especially with his family’s initial hesitations. Still, their unwavering support gave him the courage to take the leap. “If it doesn’t work out, it’s enough to just go back to my odd jobs and chasing my rugby dreams,” he said, reflecting on the decision that changed his life.
A Crash Course in Football and a Glimpse of Potential
In 2017, Mailata joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, relocating to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for a 10-week crash course in football. He was raw talent, with no prior knowledge of the sport—but his potential was undeniable. Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles’ offensive line coach, was initially reluctant to scout Mailata, preferring to stick to his golf trip plans. However, after witnessing Mailata’s workout, he was left in awe. “He didn’t know how to put his hand on the ground, but the future was bright,” Stoutland recalled. Despite his lack of football knowledge, Mailata’s athleticism and drive were evident. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his journey. Four months later, he played in his first preseason game, a milestone that would set the stage for his future success. Yet, the road ahead was far from easy. “This isn’t easy. It’s, you know, I don’t know how I’m here. I’m just kind of grateful for the people who backed me and supported me,” Mailata shared, reflecting on his journey.
Learning the Game and Earning His Place
Mailata’s early years in the NFL were a period of intense learning. He spent two seasons on the bench, soaking up knowledge and refining his skills. By 2020, his hard work began to pay off as he started earning regular playing time. Over time, he developed into one of the most dominant left tackles in the league, earning the respect of his peers and coaches. Landon Dickerson, a fellow offensive lineman and close friend, called Mailata’s ascent “extremely impressive.” “A lot of us started playing football at four or five years old. By the time you get to the league, you’ve had 16, 17 years of experience,” Dickerson said. “The ability that he had to come in and start from nothing and become what he’s become is extremely impressive.” Mailata’s growth was not just physical but mental, as he mastered the nuances of a sport that is far more structured than rugby. “Rugby is a little bit more free-flowing, you can make plays on the run, but football is very stop-start,” he explained. Yet, there was one thing that remained the same—his love for hitting people. “There’s no difference, they hit the same. I’m being serious,” he said with a grin.
Embracing American Football Culture
Mailata’s love for football extends beyond the field. He has fully embraced the culture of the sport, from tailgating to trash-talking. When asked about being so far from home, he quipped, “Philadelphia’s only three hours away, mate.” His infectious enthusiasm and dedication have made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia. Eagle’s offensive lineman Lane Johnson noted that Mailata’s positive attitude and eagerness to learn have been key to his success. “He’s always happy, always eager to learn. And he put his time in,” Johnson said. “After a few years, he was ready to roll.” Mailata’s unique combination of size and speed has made him a standout player, and his performances have left a lasting impact on the game. Stoutland, who has coached many players over the years, believes that Mailata’s potential is limitless. “I don’t think there’s ever a top to this, that’s what’s so cool. Most players you coach, they played Pop Warner, high school football, college football, and they get to this level and they’re done, they’re tapped out. I don’t know. It’s cool,” he said.
A Legacy of Perseverance and Inspiration
Seven years into his NFL career, Jordan Mailata stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. From his humble beginnings in Sydney to his current status as one of the best left tackles in the league, his story is nothing short of extraordinary. “This is a guy who never played football, being able to come in the league and within seven years, establish himself as, I believe, one of the best—if not the best—left tackles in the game right now,” Dickerson said. Mailata’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s an inspiration to anyone chasing their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. As he prepares for his second Super Bowl, Mailata’s gratitude and humility shine through. “It’s not easy. This isn’t easy. It’s, you know, it’s, I don’t know how I’m here. I’m just kind of grateful for the people who backed me and supported me,” he said. His story is a reminder that success is not just about talent but about the courage to take risks, the willingness to learn, and the strength to overcome adversity. Jordan Mailata’s journey is far from over, and whatever the future holds, his legacy as one of the greatest stories in football is already secure.