When Jordan Mailata walks into a room, the air sorta leaves it. It’s not just that he’s tall; it’s the sheer mass of the guy. Honestly, standing next to him is a humbling experience for just about any regular human. We are talking about a man who literally didn't know how to put on a football helmet a few years ago and is now one of the most dominant forces in the NFL.
If you’re looking for the raw numbers, let’s get them out of the way. Jordan Mailata stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs in at a massive 365 pounds. But those are just numbers on a roster sheet. To understand why Jordan Mailata height and weight became such a fixation for scouts and fans alike, you have to look at how he uses that frame. Most people his size move like they’re stuck in wet cement. Mailata? He moves like a tight end who accidentally grew three extra inches and 100 pounds.
The Physical Freak of the Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles didn't just draft a player; they drafted a project. When he came over from Australian rugby league, scouts were obsessed with his "pre-draft measurables." At his pro day, he clocked a 5.12-second 40-yard dash.
Think about that.
A man weighing nearly 350 pounds (at the time) was running faster than most people can run to the mailbox. His short shuttle time of 4.67 seconds was actually in the top 10 for all offensive tackles that year. It’s that combination of length and lateral agility that makes him a nightmare for edge rushers.
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He’s got 35.5-inch arms. Basically, by the time a defensive end tries to run around him, Mailata has already reached out and neutralized them before they even get close to the quarterback.
From Rugby "Too Big" to NFL "Just Right"
It’s kind of ironic. Back in Australia, the South Sydney Rabbitohs actually worried he was too big. They didn't think he could handle the constant running of rugby league. They even offered him a measly $5,000 contract because they weren't sure he’d last.
The NFL, however, saw that same 6'8" frame and saw a gold mine.
- Height: 6'8" (2.03 meters)
- Weight: 365 lbs (166 kg)
- Wingspan: Enormous (11-inch hands)
- Bench Press: 22 reps of 225 lbs
He’s currently one of the heaviest active players in the league, but he carries it with a sub-20% body fat percentage. That is almost unheard of for someone pushing 370 pounds. Most of that weight is pure, functional muscle in his lower body—what teammates call "tree trunk legs."
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What He Actually Eats to Maintain 365 Pounds
You don't stay 365 pounds by eating salads. Mailata recently went viral for breaking down his pre-game meal ritual. It’s enough food to feed a small family, but for him, it’s just fuel.
The night before a game, he downs an entire box of bow-tie pasta with shrimp and rosé sauce. Then he eats a 20-ounce steak. And garlic bread. On game day? An eight-egg omelet and up to eight pancakes. If he doesn't eat enough, he actually risks losing weight, which sounds like a dream to most of us, but for an NFL left tackle, it’s a liability.
He once mentioned that if he drops below a certain weight, he actually gets fined. The Eagles need him at that specific Jordan Mailata height and weight because he is the primary protector of Jalen Hurts’ blindside.
Why His Size Changed the Game
We’ve seen big guys before. We’ve seen tall guys. But Mailata represents a shift in how teams look at international talent. Because he didn't grow up playing the game, he didn't have any bad habits. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland basically had a 6'8" slab of marble to carve into the perfect tackle.
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There was a moment in the Eagles' weight room where he was filmed casually squatting nearly 600 pounds for reps. No belt. No struggle. Just raw, biological power.
Reality Check: The Challenges of Being 6'8"
It’s not all highlights and pancakes. Being that big has its downsides. Mailata has talked about how difficult it is to find clothes (obviously) and the constant toll the weight takes on his joints.
He’s also had to deal with injuries, including a concussion and some back issues over the years. When you have that much mass moving at high speeds, the impact forces are astronomical.
What You Can Learn from the Big Man
If you're an aspiring athlete or just a fan, Mailata’s story isn't just about being a giant. It’s about "talent transfer." He took the footwork he learned as a rugby prop and applied it to a completely different sport.
Actionable Insights from Mailata's Career:
- Focus on Functional Mobility: Mailata’s value isn't just his weight; it’s his ability to move that weight. If you’re training for size, never sacrifice your flexibility or "short-area" quickness.
- Specialization Matters: He was "too big" for one sport and "perfect" for another. If you aren't finding success in one area, look for where your specific physical traits are an asset rather than a hindrance.
- The "Stoutland University" Mentality: Even with his physical gifts, Mailata spent years on the bench learning technique. Physicality gets you in the door; technique keeps you in the league.
Next time you see number 68 lining up for the Eagles, don't just look at how big he is. Look at his feet. Watch how a 365-pound man dances on the edge of the line. It’s a feat of nature that we probably won't see again for a long time.