Son of Samoa wins Superbowl!
Since our #pacificyouthvoyage days we have been a huge fan of Jordan Mailata and the way he has represented our people in a sport like the NFL! Unlike the NRL, we don’t claim to know him now that he’s doing well (a topic for another day lol)
A snapshot of the achievements to celebrate!
As a youngin, he played rugby for the Bankstown Bulls
Selected for Canterbury Bulldogs under-18’s in 2015
Scouted and offered a spot in South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2017
Scouted by NFL executives through video highlights and invited to try out for International Player Pathway Program
Played for the IMG academy in Florida and later scouted to the Philadelphia Eagles
Selected as starter main tackle in 2021 NFL Season
Signed a $66 million dollar 3-year extension
Defeating Kansas city chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX
Also acknowledging the hardships and sacrifices!
Mailata fainted during pre-season training - after the surgery to repair the chambers of his heart, he gained around 19kgs.
During the renewal of his contract, he was offered a one-year contract worth $5000 - with speculation that reserve-grade was offered due to conditioning concerns and fitness.
Doubtful scouts during the NFL drafting process, claiming he needed much work to develop his “technique” having never played NFL.
Learning the playbook of NFL which Mailata claims “was like a different language”
We often see the success and celebrate, but we must also acknowledge the tough times these athletes go through. The disciplined mind and strength to push through the aforementioned obstacles, are an inspiration to the youngins of Samoa and the pacific!
As the saying goes, We can be what we see!
