With the 2024 NFL regular season fast approaching, a number of Australian stars are preparing for another rigorous campaign in America’s biggest sport.
Here’s a closer look at some of the Aussie stars who are set to compete this season and others who have previously graced the NFL.
Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles)
Former rugby league player Jordan Mailata is getting set for another campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles, who are 15.00 to win the NFL Championship this season.
Having played youth rugby league with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Mailata was spotted by NFL executives and offered a place on the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).
Impressing at the combine, Mailata was selected by the Eagles with the 233rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft.
The offensive tackle has become a beloved figure at Lincoln Financial Field, bringing his Aussie charm to interviews, while his straight-talking approach has also earned him admirers at the Eagles.
Philly dropped off after a strong start last season and Mailata will be hoping to guide the Eagles to better things this term.
Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco 49ers)
From an offensive tackle, we turn our attention to a punter for the San Francisco 49ers in the form of Mitch Wishnowsky.
Born in Gosnells in Perth, Wishnowsky’s skills kicking a ball were developed playing Aussie Rules as a youth.
Numerous shoulder injuries forced him to give up the sport but while working as a glazier he discovered the Prokick Australia programme in Melbourne and moved across the country.
Wishnowsky impressed in Melbourne and went on to earn a place in the Utah Utes team.
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft, Wishnowsky went on to sign a four-year contract with the 49ers on 30th April 2019.
Wishnowsky helped San Francisco reach the NFL Championship game in the 2019 season but the 49ers suffered a 31-20 defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hoping to go one better this time around, Wishnowsky’s 49ers are the joint-favourites alongside the Chiefs at 6.50 to be crowned champions this season.
Jesse Williams (Former Seattle Seahawks)
Jesse Williams, also known as “tha Monstar” will go down in history as the first Australian to win an NFL Championship ring.
Born on Thursday Island in Queensland, Williams started playing American Football in Australia for the Bayside Raves.
Going on to play for the University of Alabama, Williams was taken in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft with the 137th overall selection by the Seattle Seahawks.
Injuries hampered his time at Seattle but he was awarded an NFL Championship ring when the Seahawks thrashed the Denver Broncos 43-8 on 2nd February 2014.
Now retired, Williams has since become a strength and conditioning coach and has a role in helping to grow the development of American Football in Australia.
