SYDNEY — Jordan Mailata transitioned from a rugby league career in Australia to a significant achievement in American football, culminating in a Super Bowl victory.
He made history by becoming the first Australian player to start in and win the championship game, contributing to the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive 40-22 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, which marked the team’s second Super Bowl title.

Following the game in New Orleans, Mailata, a left tackle for the Eagles, proudly displayed the flags of both Australia and Samoa, paying homage to his heritage.
When asked about the daring shift from being a promising player in the South Sydney Rabbitohs to securing a Super Bowl championship, he shared with ESPN, “Don’t be afraid to tip your toe in the water.
You have got to immerse yourself, you have got to drown yourself in that atmosphere — whatever you want to do — learn to swim.”

Before being selected by the Eagles in the 2018 draft, Mailata had no background in American football.
Yet today, he is a crucial player on a formidable offensive line, playing an essential role in the team’s success.
“It’s just a crazy, crazy journey so far,” he reflected, having previously experienced the sting of defeat in the Super Bowl just two years ago.
This experience places him among a select group of only four Australians who have played in the prestigious championship game in American football.

It’s worth noting that another Australian, Jess Williams, also holds a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, though he was sidelined that season due to a severe knee injury.