Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

As Aussie NFL star Jordan Mailata etches his name into Super Bowl history, he does so among a score of teammates who openly attribute their success to their faith in Jesus Christ.

For the first time in history, an Aussie has helped secure a Super Bowl victory. On Sunday, Sydney native Jordan Mailata aided the Philadelphia Eagles in steamrolling reigning champs the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 blowout at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Donning Eagles jersey number 68 at the Gridiron Gala, Mailata was instrumental in his role as left offensive tackle, where he provided robust protection for quarterback teammate Jalen Hurts and created ample opportunities for his team’s impressive scoring drives.

Quarterback Hurts is among a score of Eagles players who are outspoken about their Christian faith. During a pre-match interview with Sports Spectrum, Hurts explained, “I’ve always wanted to root myself in [my faith] and keep Him at the centre of my life in everything that I do.”

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley likewise told reporters, “My faith is everything,” and revealed that his agent is a pastor who regularly leads him in Bible studies.

When asked who has encouraged him spiritually this year, Linebacker Jalyx Hunt mentioned team chaplain Pastor Ted Winsley, along with Jalen Hurt, Nakobe Dean and several others, adding that there are “a lot of people on this team who are very outspoken about their faith”.

“It’s a long season,” he explained, “and we’re always around each other, so eventually, we start talking about faith and our stories.”

While Jordan Mailata has not spoken publicly about his beliefs, he hails from Western Sydney’s tight-knit Samoan community, the vast majority of whom identify as Christians.

The Remarkable Rise of Jordan Mailata

Described by family and teammates alike as a “gentle giant”, Jordan Maliata, a former demolition worker, began his sporting career in rugby league. He represented the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs under-18s before playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs under-20s side, but fell short of a securing a professional NRL contract.

When NFL scouts saw footage of Mailata’s imposing 203 cm, 166 kg on-field presence, they invited him to take part in the NFL International Player Pathway Program, though he knew next to nothing about America’s football code at the time.

Mailata took a punt, and after several months in the program, at 21 years of age, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 233rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, becoming the first player ever drafted with no prior football experience.

Fast forward to 2024, when Mailata signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension with the Eagles, making him one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL.

This weekend represented Mailata’s second shot at Super Bowl glory, after the Eagles conceded defeat in a prior Super Sunday showdown with the Chiefs in 2023.

Both matches were presided over by Nick Sirianni, who has been head coach at the Philadelphia Eagles since 2021.

Sirianni also spoke openly of his faith in Christ this week, giving glory to God for the historic win. In the post-game celebration chaos, a Fox News reporter asked him, “What does the moment mean?”

Sirianni responded, “God’s blessed us very much. He gave us all the talents to be able to get here, so first and foremost, thanks to Him,” adding, “Thank God. Thank you, Jesus.”

“Thank God. Thank you Jesus.”

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni on FOX after winning #SuperBowlLIX
pic.twitter.com/J0ZLeW3ZRC

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) February 10, 2025

‘None of This Happens Without Our Lord Jesus’

Among the many other Philadelphia Eagles players to speak of their Christian faith on the media circuit during the week were linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Oren Burks, along with cornerback Kelee Ringo and defensive back Cooper DeJean.

One of the Eagles’ offensive unit coaches is Running Backs Coach Jemal Singleton, who told reporters of the ministry opportunities he has had among the players under his watch on the way to the Super Bowl.

“None of this happens without our Lord Jesus,” he said. “I know I wouldn’t be here — none of us would be here — if it wasn’t for Him.”

Grant Calcaterra and Will Shipley, both with the Eagles offence, likewise shared with reporters about the priority of faith in their lives and sporting careers.

Thus, as Jordan Mailata etches his name into Super Bowl history, he does so among a score of teammates who openly attribute their success to their faith in Jesus Christ, making for a championship worthy of double celebrations.

___

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.