'Think about all the kids': Jordan Mailata creates history for Australia with Super Bowl victory
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Jordan Mailata has become the first Australian to win a Super Bowl, helping the rampant Philadelphia Eagles to a resounding 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 27-year-old Sydney product had some critical moments for Philadelphia, cementing himself as one of the league's best offensive linemen on the biggest stage.
Mailata becomes the first Aussie to achieve the feat after Jesse Williams received a ring with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, but didn't play in the Super Bowl itself.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is hugged by offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. AP
A humble kid from Bankstown with rugby league hopes, Mailata took the bold step to take his size and talents overseas in 2018, and now it's paid off in the biggest way.
"Think about all the kids back in Australia," Dan Orlovsky said on ESPN.
"Now, you might not be gifted with the God-given ability to be six [foot], nine [inches], 350 pounds and move like that.
"But for a guy to come from that area over here and have the career that he has, it does give hope to a young kid that maybe says, 'I want to be the next Jordan Mailata'."
Now the greatest success story of the NFL's International Pathway Program, Mailata celebrated in style on stage with both the Australian and Samoan flags.
Louis Riddick also credited the franchise for its impact on Mailata.
"Who knows how Jordan Mailata's career goes had he not come to an organisation like Philly and been coached by a guy like Jeff Stoutland, who has Hall of Fame credentials as a position coach," the former NFL player said.
"Look at what he has done for the offensive line since he's been here. They realise this guy is the alpha, he's the guy who you send people to if you want to see if they can be good or not. It was perfect for him [Mailata]."
Jordan Mailata celebrates after winning the Super Bowl. Getty
It was an absolute clinic with ball in hand for the Eagles, led by the man who earned MVP honours in Jalen Hurts, who had the best game of his career on the big stage.
The quarterback finished with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, while rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean scored a rare pick six on his birthday.
As for the Chiefs, it was a disastrous performance in search of their third-straight NFL championship as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes had the worst game of his career.
Philadelphia finished with a 14-3 regular season record to finish as the second seed in the NFC, before flying through their conference in the playoffs.
Kansas City on the other hand finished as the top seed in the AFC, dropping just two games in the regular season, before falling on the biggest stage.
