Jordan Mailata is an Australian football offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Born on March 31, 1997, in Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, Mailata was a promising rugby league player, representing the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs under-18s and the South Sydney Rabbitohs under-20s teams, before becoming a professional footballer. Despite having no prior experience in American football, Mailata caught the attention of NFL scouts through the International Player Pathway Program. The Eagles selected Mailata as the 233rd pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mailata's transition from rugby league to American football was challenging, facing injuries for two seasons. Despite early setbacks, Mailata eventually made it through. He made his NFL debut in 2020 and soon earned a starting role. By 2021, he secured a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $64 million. In 2024, Mailata signed another extension, a three-year deal worth $66 million with the Eagles.
Who are the parents of Jordan Mailata?
Jordan Mailata is the son of Tupa’i Mailata, a Samoan father, and Maria Mailata, a Samoan-New Zealander mother. They immigrated to Australia where Jordan Mailata was born in Bankstown, Sydney, a locality of Samoan immigrants. Mailata grew up in a multicultural environment and holds both Australian and New Zealand citizenship. His middle name, Jordan, was given by his sister in honour of basketball legend, Michael Jordan. Mailata attended Condell Park High School, where he developed his athletic abilities that later led him to a career in sports. Mailata revealed in a podcast with Jason Kelce that he is not a citizen of Australia, to which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered him fast-track citizenship.
Jordan Mailata Father
Jordan Mailata's father Tupa’i Mailata. He is originally from Western Samoa and immigrated to Australia along with his wife, where they raised their five children, including Jordan. Despite his initial reservations about Jordan leaving Australia to pursue American football, Tupa’i eventually supported his son's decision, offering guidance and support, as per Philadelphia Eagles.
Jordan Mailata Mother
Maria Mailata is Jordan Mailata’s mother and a Samoan-New Zealander, who also immigrated to Australia. Maria often watches his son's games and interviews from Australia. She has been a significant influence on Jordan, especially in maintaining his discipline and encouraging him. Maria and Tupa’i were able to watch Jordan play football in person for the first time on January 1, 2023, when they visited him in Philadelphia, after not seeing him for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Philadelphia Eagles.
What is the nationality of Jordan Mailata’s parents?
Tupa’i and Maria Mailata, the parents of Jordan Mailata, are Australian citizens.
FAQ's On Jordan Mailata Parents
A. Jordan Mailata was born to Samoan-New Zealander parents.
A. Jordan Mailata has two brothers Daniel and Moana.
A. Yes, Jordan Mailata is playing with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
A. Jordan Mailata is under a four-year $64 million contract with the Eagles.