Aussie Jordan Mailata could discover the next NFL superstar after pledging to join the program that discovered him when he retired
Aussie Philadelphia Eagle Jordan Mailata has plans to pay it forward after his extraordinary NFL career, announcing plans to work with the sport’s International Pathways Program which inspired his miraculous cross-code turn.
The 25-year-old from Bankstown, 30kms west of Sydney, was tipped as a rising rugby league star before swooping on an NFL draft opportunity.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata smiles after his side downed the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-13 in their match on October 30
Through the NFL’s International Pathways Program (IPP), Mailata was the 233rd pick for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2018 draft.
He has since become a sensation in the sport, known for his remarkable athleticism while tipping the scales at 160kg.
The left tackle has recently signed a four-year $64 million contract extension with the Eagles and hopes to give back to the program that enabled his insane success story.
“I will forever be grateful to the IPP,” Mailata told ESPN.
‘Whatever I can do after my time is done, if I can go back and work with them, work for them, I would love that. I would love to keep looking for international talent. I know there’s a hell of a lot of people down under that can play this game, but they need to be educated and they need to be taught.’
Jordan Mailata smiles and waves to the cameras at the 2018 NFL Draft where he was the 233rd pick
Since the program’s 2017 inception, 29 players have made an NFL appearance, where Mailata was the only IPP player in his draft year.
The Samoan linked star played alongside some of the NRL’s biggest names as a young star.
In 2017, Mailata was one of the junior under 20’s Rabbitohs with Campbell Graham and Keoan Koloamatangi.
Jordan Mailata addresses the media after a rookie training session following his draft to the Philadelphia Eagles
Yet due to his size, he was seen as a liability in the sport who lacked agility and consistent minutes.
Fast forward a few years and Mailata had to beef up from his 140kg statue with an extra 20kg.
‘Big Money’ Mailata, as named by his teammates, was drafted off a self-made rugby league highlights package that saw him bump off defenders with a rare turn of pace.
Mailata trucks it up for the Rabbitohs under 20’s representative side, playing alongside Campbell Graham and Keoan Koloamatangi
The Aussie proved worthy of the big coin in his first year, making many sacks in his rookie season.
Mailata was riddled with a heart condition throughout his growing years and collapsed before his rugby league representative career, taking two years away from the sport.
He has now secured a spot in the Eagles lineup, who are currently undefeated and for the first time in franchise history have an 8-0 start.
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