Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata is locked in until 2028 after signing a three-year, $66 million extension that includes $48 million guaranteed last week.
He also gets a $20 million signing bonus and his new deal now makes him fourth highest-paid left tackle in the NFL behind only Laremy Tunsil, Trent Williams and Andrew Thomas.
Mailata, 27, played rugby for Australia’s National Rugby League before he entered the NFL’s International Player Pathway program in 2018.
The Eagles took their chance on the rugby player with their seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
It worked out in their favor as Mailata became a full-time starter in 2020 and one of the best blindside protectors known across the league.
After officially inking his extension, Mailata took a moment to reflect on his journey from Australian rugby star to NFL legend.
"I recognize the opportunity that I have every day when I step foot in this building," Mailata said. "It is an incredibly humbling one because I came from humble beginnings. When you recognize the opportunity you have, you want to take full advantage of it, but you also have to remember where you come from."
Mailata, who said he could barely afford a train ticket six years ago, thanked everyone from his coaches, Eagles' security guard Big Dom, his teammates, and family for helping him get to where he is today.
He also expressed the desire to stay in Philly for the remainder of his career.
"It is an honor to be able to play at one club,” Mailata said. “I’ve always wanted to be a player that has played for one team and there are so few that get to do that. To be a part of history and be a part of the club and the culture that we are trying to continue to build is an honor. I am very grateful to the organization.”
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