Jordan Mailata’s Athleticism Sparks Social Media Frenzy
The internet has been buzzing with excitement after a series of resurfaced videos showcased the incredible athleticism of Philadelphia Eagles star Jordan Mailata. The clips, shared by the NFL, revealed Mailata’s explosive movement on a rugby league field before he ever set foot in the American football scene.
Fans were left in awe as they watched the 6’8″ athlete charge at full speed, demonstrating a level of agility and power that many found surprising for someone of his size. One fan expressed their shock: “6’8 moving like that at full speed is terrifying. Eagles got a decade of protection for nothing.” Another commented: “Man switched sports like it’s nothing.”
The footage, which dates back to Mailata’s time in Australia before joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, quickly went viral across social media. However, the clips also sparked a heated debate, particularly among fans from different regions.
Clarifying the Sport: Rugby League vs. Rugby Union
A common point of confusion was the distinction between rugby league and rugby union. Many American viewers mistakenly referred to the sport as simply “rugby,” leading to some backlash from Australian fans. One user pointed out: “@NFL at least get the sport correct. He was playing Rugby League, not ‘Rugby’ which is the term used for the sport ‘Rugby Union’. Completely different sports.” Others echoed this sentiment, emphasizing: “RUGBY LEAGUE!!!”
This confusion extended beyond just terminology. As more people began discussing Mailata’s background, some users challenged claims that he had been a professional rugby league player before switching codes. One commenter stated: “He certainly wasn’t a rugby league star. He never even played first grade. He played in the U20s and that’s it. Don’t be spreading lies.” Another added: “Rugby league…and he didn’t play professionally…he was in the 3rd tier competition.”
From Rugby to the NFL: A Remarkable Journey
Despite these debates, Mailata’s story remains one of the most fascinating in sports history. Before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, he had never played a single game of American football. His rugby league career also did not progress beyond junior and development systems, including time with the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ under-20s setup.
Yet, within just a few years, Mailata transformed into one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive tackles. His journey culminated in a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, making his rise all the more extraordinary.
Comparisons and Speculations
Fans from both sides of the world have been captivated by Mailata’s unique path. Some compared his running style to legendary NFL players, with one fan writing: “Runs like Larry Csonka without the pads,” while another said: “Earl Campbell, if he had ever played rugby.” Others speculated about how unstoppable he might have been had he grown up playing gridiron.
” Now is one of the best tackles in the league, crazy to think what his ceiling would be had he played football earlier,” one fan remarked.
Cultural Differences in Sports
However, not everyone was convinced that the move from rugby league to the NFL was an upgrade. Some critics questioned whether Mailata had left behind a more exciting sport. One user wrote: “Left the most exciting sport he could play. To take a break after every down?” This highlighted the cultural divide between the two sports, from terminology to physicality and skill.
Mailata himself has acknowledged the differences, stating previously: “I say football is harder, but NRL, rugby league, rugby union. It’s more physical and more tough.”
