Jordan Mailata receives well-deserved honor from the NFL ahead of Eagles' 2025 season

Per NFL pro insight, Mailata allowed just 1.5 sacks in 2024, which tied for the fewest among left tackles with at least 350 pass blocking snaps.

He was also a big reason why Eagles running back Saquon Barkley popped off for over 2,000 rushing yards last fall, which is what NFL.com couldn't ignore:  

The Eagles offensive tackle played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s journey to winning a Super Bowl title. Even though he played in just 12 regular-season games, Mailata did his job by protecting Jalen Hurts and creating gaps for Saquon Barkley. He earned his first Super Bowl ring and now makes the Top 100 countdown for the first time in his career.

Additionally, Mailata helped Philly set the NFL rushing yards record for an offensive line with 3,866 yards in a regular and postseason. 

Mailata, 28, 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 because Mailata became a full-time starter in 2020 and one of the best blindside protectors known across the NFL. 

Mailata is locked in with the Birds until at least 2028 after signing a three-year, $66 million extension with $48 million guaranteed last offseason. 

That was an incredibly special moment, considering he could barely afford a train ticket just a few years ago before coming to play American football. 

Now, after that contract and a Super Bowl win, he could afford a train -- in the most deserving way.