Why Aussie Jordan Mailata watched his first Super Bowl as a teenager - as Philadelphia Eagles teammate lauds 'once in a lifetime' sporting journey Aussie Jordan Mailata remembers his first Super Bowl experience in 2016 - and it had nothing to do with the on-field action.
He did enough to impress Jeff Stoutland (pictured) the offensive line coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Mailata was then the 233rd overall pick in the seventh round of the NFL draft.
In 2017, Mailata was told by then Rabbitohs NRL coach Michael Maguire it was unlikely he would play first grade due to the fitness levels required (pictured, playing under-20s for South Sydney).
The towering athlete with Samoan heritage then boldly moved to Florida in 2018 to join the NFL's International Player Pathway, which offers an intense 10-week course on all things gridiron (pictured right, in action recently for the Eagles).
Told by then Rabbitohs NRL coach Michael Maguire in 2017 it was unlikely he would play first grade due to the speed of the game, a shattered Mailata pondered his next move.
