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Eagles’ Star OT Jordan Mailata Reveals He Was Nearly A Steeler Through International Pathway Program

For nearly a decade, the Pittsburgh Steelers had quite the impressive story of finding a moldable piece of clay, developing him and turning him into one of the top left tackles in the NFL, that being former offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva.

Turns out, the Steelers were attempting to do the same thing ahead of the 2018 season with former Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata.

Mailata, now a star left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, came to the United States aiming to get into the NFL through the International Player Pathway program. At 6-foot-7, 385 pounds, Mailata had impressive size, strength and athleticism for the offensive line and was a coveted piece on the international market.