Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform your life completely in just four years? Meet Jordan Mailata, the gentle giant whose journey from Australian rugby fields to NFL stardom feels like something straight out of a movie. Standing at a towering 6’8″ and weighing 365 pounds, Mailata isn’t just your average success story – he’s a testament to what happens when raw talent meets the right opportunity.

But here’s what makes this story even more remarkable: behind the massive frame and impressive stats is a heartwarming family tale. Picture this: somewhere in Australia, a family gathers around their TV, still amazed to see their “small child” dominating the NFL field. It’s hard for them to believe that their boy, who the Philadelphia Eagles took a chance on with the 233rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has become such a force in American football.

Who are Maria and Tupa’i Mailata?

It’s pretty wild to see someone from Sydney making waves in the NFL. But it’s not just about Jordan but his whole family. Jordan Mailata’s parents are Maria Mailata, a Samoan-New Zealander, and Tupa’i Mailata, who hails from Samoan. After his family moved to Australia, he was born in Bankstown, a Sydney area known for its Samoan community. Growing up in a diverse environment, he holds citizenship in Australia and New Zealand. Fun fact: his sister chose the name “Jordan” for him as a nod to the basketball icon Michael Jordan.

Jordan sharpened his athletic skills at Condell Park High School, setting the stage for his pro sports career. In a podcast, Jordan mentioned that he wasn’t an Australian citizen initially, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stepped in to help him.

Tupa’i Mailata, Jordan Mailata’s dad, moved from Western Samoa to Australia. He and his wife, Maria, raised five kids together. At first, Tupa’i was unsure about Jordan’s dream of playing American football, but he eventually got on board and always backed him up.

Jordan’s mom, Maria Mailata, is also a big part of his life. Living in Australia, she loves watching her son’s games and interviews. Maria has played a massive role in keeping Jordan motivated and disciplined throughout his journey.

How has son Jordan Mailata fulfilled his parents’ wishes?

“We love it! We wake up at 3:30 AM to catch the game, sometimes at 4 or 5,” Mailata’s brother, Milo, mentioned how the family is at home watching games. But how could Jordan leave his dad hanging like that? So he brought his family to the stadium to watch him play live.

His dad, Tupa’i, had just one wish for his 70th birthday, which was a month ago on December 12. He wanted to see his son play professional football. After a long journey of over 24 hours from Australia, Tupai finally made it to the big day.

Dressed in a black jersey with their Samoan family name on the shoulder, Tupa’i was excited as he watched from the stands. He was there with Jordan’s mom, Maria, his brother, Milo, and his wife, Niki. Tupa’i couldn’t help but beam with pride as he watched his 6-foot-8, 365-pound son block defenders on the field.

“My husband always wanted to see his son play, and today, that dream came true,” Maria said. Jordan mentioned that his dad follows his games every day. Interestingly, Jordan didn’t start with American football; he was into Australian rugby. His highlight reel from a year with the South Sydney Rabbitohs caught the attention of Aden Durday, a coach from the NFL’s international program, who invited Jordan to Los Angeles for a trial.

The NFL creates opportunities for players and their families, ensuring everyone involved walks away with something valuable. It’s a league where exceptional moments and support are always present.