Australians in the NFL: Jordan Mailata welcomes Jacksonville signing Patrick Murtagh, hits out at AFL stereotype

Jordan Mailata has won a Super Bowl and recently signed a $100m contract extension – but there’s one thing that gets on the nerves of the great Australian sporting export.

Jordan Mailata has pointed to Patrick Murtagh as proof the AFL can produce more than just punters, celebrating the latest addition to Australia’s NFL contingent.

Former Gold Coast Sun Murtagh has been recruited by the Jacksonville Jaguars under the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

Before playing in a Super Bowl and signing his $100 million contract, Mailata took part in the very same program.

Mailata, the NRL hopeful who became a global NFL superstar, has seen countless Aussies trying to make a name for themselves in one of the world’s most watched sporting leagues.

Arryn Siposs was the latest in a series of AFL-listed players to punt at NFL level.

Patrick Murtagh at the NFL's Pro Day.

Murtagh has signed with Jacksonville Jaguars.

Murtagh’s path from an AFL list to the NFL is different because he has joined the Jaguars as a tight end.

“I’m happy that someone from the AFL has come out other than a punter,” Mailata said, having hit Sydney with high hopes of growing the game he loves.

“No offence to the guys that come out of here but I’m tired of the stereotype of just AFL players just becoming punters.”

Having crossed over from one of Australia’s biggest sports, Mailata understands the pressures Murtagh will face, but does not get where the myth of only producing kickers comes from.

“He is used to catching, jumping, running, that’s all you do,” he said.

Jordan Mailata has reached the pinnacle of the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. Picture: Getty

Mailata believes Jacksonville may have struck gold with signing the 23-year-old Murtagh.

“I met Patty earlier this year and I think he is going to be awesome,” Mailata said.

“Patty was one of the guys on the IPP program, I came from that program, so I was able to go back this year and meet them.”

“I have no tips, he doesn’t need it, the guy is a special player, and special players make special plays.”

Mailata visited his former junior rugby league club on Sunday, wanting to help grow the sport of American football. The NFL recognises the addition of flag football to the Olympic program for the 2028 Games is a major opportunity.

“We’ve come back here to the home ground and just kind of see what the kids can learn from playing flag football, do a couple of American football drills and try to grow the sport down here.” Mailata said.

Jordan Mailata interacts with the kids during an NFL Clinic at his home suburb of Bankstown in Sydney. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The 27-year-old hopes some of the kids at the clinic on Sunday will be ready for Brisbane in 2032.

“It is possible, anything can happen man … just put your mind to it. All you need is one person and believe me, I truly believe that.”

Meanwhile, Mailata was one of the more prominent voices in the NRL’s expansion to the USA earlier this year.

Mailata was proud to be a part of the NRL’s first trip to Vegas, and thinks the Australian sport did an amazing job for their initial launch.

Even though Mailata’s NFL teammates and friends were a bit confused by some of the rules, the Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle said it didn’t take long for them to enjoy the game.

“We had a great couple of games out there to showcase what the league has,” Mailata said.

“I think they did a good job. Everybody knew about it. They had a great turnout for what it intended to be.”

Originally published as Australians in the NFL: Jordan Mailata welcomes Jacksonville signing Patrick Murtagh, hits out at AFL stereotype