After Mailata obliterates his route to Super Bowl glory, Australians are eyeing the NFL draft.

In recent years, the NFL has witnessed a growing influx of international players, with a particular spotlight on Australian talent. Among the most notable stories is that of Jordan Mailata, the former rugby player who, against all odds, made a meteoric rise to stardom in the NFL. His journey from an unknown entity to an NFL star is not only a testament to his remarkable athleticism and work ethic but has also opened the door for many Australians who dream of playing in the NFL.

Mailata’s transition from rugby to American football is a story that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Born in Sydney, Australia, Mailata was an avid rugby player before his life took a dramatic turn when the NFL showed interest in him. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft despite having no experience in American football. This was a bold move by the Eagles, as they saw the raw potential in Mailata’s massive frame and athleticism, something that would later prove invaluable.

Fast forward to Super Bowl LVII, and Mailata, now an established left tackle, played a critical role in helping the Eagles secure a place in the championship game. The Eagles’ offensive line was one of the strongest in the league, and Mailata’s dominance on the field helped protect quarterback Jalen Hurts, who went on to have an MVP-caliber season. Mailata’s success story has resonated deeply, not just with NFL fans, but particularly with Australians who have long been passionate about rugby and have now realized that their athletic prowess can be translated into success in American football.

Mailata’s success has proven that Australians can thrive in the NFL, even without the traditional background in American football. His rise has inspired a new wave of Australian athletes to consider American football as a legitimate career path. For decades, Australia has been primarily known for producing top-tier rugby, cricket, and soccer players, but the NFL’s growing international reach has introduced a new avenue for Australian talent.

Before Mailata, there were a few Australians who had ventured into the NFL, but none had reached the heights that Mailata achieved. Players like Ben Graham (a former punter for the Arizona Cardinals) and Darren Bennett (another punter who played for the San Diego Chargers) paved the way for Australians in the NFL. However, their roles were mostly relegated to specialists like punters and kickers, positions that, while important, didn’t typically garner the same level of recognition as other roles on the field.

Mailata changed that narrative. He didn’t just play as a specialist; he became a starting offensive lineman in one of the most physically demanding positions in the NFL. His success demonstrated that Australians, even without the traditional American football experience, could excel at the highest level. It’s no wonder that young Australian athletes, particularly those with the size, speed, and strength to make an impact on the football field, are increasingly turning their attention to the NFL Draft.

As Mailata continues to make waves in the NFL, there has been a notable increase in the number of Australian athletes eyeing the NFL Draft. Several factors contribute to this rise in interest:

1. Mailata’s Visibility: Jordan Mailata’s prominence in the NFL has given Australians a face to rally behind. His performance in Super Bowl LVII, coupled with his continuous success in the regular season, has made him a symbol of what’s possible for Australian athletes in the NFL.
2. Improved Access to NFL Scouting: With the growing international exposure of the NFL, Australian athletes now have better access to scouting systems. The NFL has increased its efforts to reach out to international talent, and the league’s global outreach programs, such as the NFL International Combine, have made it easier for Australian athletes to get noticed by NFL scouts.
3. Athletic Potential: Australian athletes, especially those from rugby and Australian Rules Football backgrounds, have the physical attributes that translate well into American football. Many of these athletes possess the size, agility, and endurance required to excel in positions such as offensive and defensive line, linebacker, and tight end.
4. Cultural Shift: American football has slowly but steadily grown in popularity in Australia. Major networks have broadcast NFL games, and the Super Bowl, in particular, has gained a significant following. The increasing visibility of the sport has spurred a generation of young Australians to take an interest in the game and pursue it professionally.

As more Australians set their sights on the NFL, many are beginning to turn their attention toward the NFL Draft, where dreams of playing in the league are realized. While most Australian athletes have come to the NFL through a combination of international signing or as free agents, some are now entering the draft pool after playing college football in the United States.

There have been a few Australians who have made their mark on the NFL Draft over the years, but none with the same level of success as Mailata. Australian-born punters and kickers have traditionally been the most common representation in the draft, but as American football grows in Australia, it’s only a matter of time before more players from varied positions start entering the draft in greater numbers.

For instance, Australian players like Arryn Siposs, a punter for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jack Lever, a linebacker who played college football at UCLA, are among those who have pursued a professional career in the NFL. While they have not achieved the same level of success as Mailata, their participation in the draft and subsequent career moves indicate a growing trend of Australians targeting the NFL as a viable path.

Additionally, there are athletes who’ve not yet made the leap into the NFL but are garnering significant attention from scouts. For example, players in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Rules Football (AFL) are increasingly exploring the possibility of transitioning into American football. These athletes, with their backgrounds in high-contact sports, have the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Their raw talent, combined with NFL coaching, could result in future success stories that mirror Mailata’s.

Mailata’s success has proven that Australians are more than capable of competing in the NFL. His story is a reminder that talent, work ethic, and determination can lead to success, even when an athlete is entering a completely foreign sport. As more Australians take a keen interest in the NFL Draft, it’s likely that we’ll see more players follow in Mailata’s footsteps and carve out their own paths to NFL stardom.

The NFL’s increasing global outreach and the emergence of new international players have undoubtedly shifted the way the league operates. While the NFL remains a predominantly American sport, the influence of players from all over the world is undeniable. The success of Jordan Mailata has shown that international players can not only make it to the NFL but thrive once they arrive. This has paved the way for a new generation of Australians who aspire to follow his trailblazing path.

The future looks bright for Australians in the NFL, and the growing number of players eyeing the NFL Draft is a clear indication that Australian talent is no longer confined to rugby fields and cricket grounds. With the right guidance, support, and development, the next Jordan Mailata may be waiting in the wings, ready to take the NFL by storm.