Jordan Mailata Bio
Lafoga Jordan Mailata is an Australian professional American football offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and a former rugby league player. He was born in Bankstown, New South Wales, and transitioned to the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. Drafted in 2018, Mailata played a key role in helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX in 2024, making him the first Australian player to start in a Super Bowl. He is also known for his singing talent and participated in ‘The Masked Singer’.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Mailata was born on March 31, 1997, in Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia. He is the son of Samoan immigrants and retains New Zealand citizenship through his mother. Growing up in an area with a high concentration of Samoan immigrants, Mailata was exposed to sports from a young age. He attended Condell Park High School, where he began playing rugby league, showcasing his athletic abilities early on.
Mailata started his rugby career with the Bankstown Bulls and was selected for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ Under-18s team in 2015. However, his journey was interrupted by health issues that required surgery on his heart, leading him to take a hiatus from rugby league for over a year. After recovering, he returned to the sport, playing at the A-grade level in the Balmain competition, where he caught the attention of recruitment agents.
Path to American Football
In 2017, Mailata was offered a chance to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Under-20s team but declined due to concerns about his fitness and conditioning. He was advised to pursue a sport that would better utilize his size. This led him to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, where he was invited to try out despite having no prior experience in American football.
In February 2018, Mailata trained at IMG Academy in Florida, where he was coached by Aden Durde. His impressive physical attributes and performance at the combine caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Jordan Mailata Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Mailata signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $2.5 million after being drafted. His rookie season was marred by injuries, limiting his playing time. He made the initial 53-man roster but was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury. Despite these setbacks, he made his NFL debut in 2020 and quickly established himself as a valuable player on the offensive line.
Throughout the 2020 season, Mailata impressed coaches and analysts alike, leading the Eagles in fewest sacks allowed among offensive linemen. His performance earned him recognition as a top-15 offensive tackle in the league.
Breakthrough (2021-2024)
In 2021, Mailata was named the starting left tackle for the Eagles. He signed a significant contract extension worth $64 million, reflecting his importance to the team. His contributions helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII, where they narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mailata’s career reached new heights in 2024 when he signed a three-year contract extension worth $66 million, solidifying his position among the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL. He played a crucial role in the Eagles’ success that season, culminating in their victory at Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, making him the first Australian player to start in a Super Bowl.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jordan Mailata’s signature achievements include being a Super Bowl champion and a Second-team All-Pro in 2024. His journey from rugby league to American football is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Jordan Mailata Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jordan Mailata has received nominations and accolades, including recognition as a Second-team All-Pro in 2024, highlighting his impact on the field.
Jordan Mailata Awards Won
Jordan Mailata’s most notable award is his Super Bowl championship title, achieved in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Jordan Mailata Family
Jordan Mailata is married to Niki Ikahihifo-Bender, a lawyer from Alaska. They tied the knot in July 2023. Mailata’s family background includes his Samoan heritage, which has played a role in shaping his identity and career.
Personal Life
In addition to his football career, Mailata has showcased his singing talent, participating in ‘The Masked Singer’ and forming a vocal group with teammates. He is also sponsored by Johnny Bigg, a clothing company catering to individuals with larger frames. Mailata’s journey from rugby league to the NFL exemplifies his versatility and determination.
