Jordan Mailata has one of the most unique stories in NFL history, going from a rugby player in Australia who never played football to an All-Pro left tackle.

That story just added another chapter as he was named the 2025 Eagles' Walter Payton Man of the Year, presented by Nationwide. The honor is a nod to the work Mailata has done in Philadelphia and beyond.

"It's quite the honor, indeed," Mailata said on Good Morning America. "I'm super proud and super humbled to be the Man of the Year nominee this year for the Philadelphia Eagles. Get to represent the city and this team and also my family. So pretty stoked, pretty happy, and [I] can't wait to do it.

"[Giving back is] a good reminder of where I've come from. Serving the community has always been part of my family. So, one, there's that and then two, it's a great reminder of humility to be able to connect with the community and share the platform that you have, and I guess remind the world that at the end of the day, your favorite athlete is a human just like you. I think it's pretty special that we get to share this moment with them."

Mailata arrived in Philadelphia as a seventh-round pick in 2018 and quickly became involved in the community. He began supporting the Philadelphia Children's Alliance in 2019, and he and his wife, Niki, were honored by the organization in 2025 for their ongoing involvement. Mailata is also a supporter of the American Association for Cancer Research, which he promoted during My Cause My Cleats.

Since joining the Eagles, Mailata has been a strong supporter of the Eagles Autism Foundation. One of his many contributions was creating an apparel line for "Jeff Stoutland University," raising more than $200,000 for EAF.

"Jordan Mailata's recognition as a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner is truly well deserved and speaks to his profound impact, both on and off the field," said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles. "One of the highest honors bestowed upon players in the National Football League, this award celebrates those who proudly represent their teams with class and dignity – all in the name of the great Walter Payton. We congratulate Jordan and thank him for always being a person of high character who leads with kindness, compassion, and integrity."

Mailata is known for being a gifted singer, and he collaborated with Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson over the last three years to make Christmas albums. Those albums raised more than $10 million for local charities, including last year's project, Operation Snowball, which aimed to gift every student in the Philadelphia public school system a present.

Mailata has also been key in the NFL's growth in Australia, continuing to give back to his native country. Mailata flew back to Australia last year to announce Philadelphia's first-round pick, Quinyon Mitchell.

"Jordan is a really outstanding leader," said Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni. "I think what's special about Jordan is he cares. He is somebody who is constantly trying to help other people. I think that is probably what people voted him a captain for. Jordan is more worried that other people are taken care of before he is. That's a sign of a really good leader. I really admire that about him. That's a hard quality to have because there are so many things you've got to worry about for yourself. But he's always focused on, 'How do I help somebody else out? How do I get this guy better? How do I get that guy better?'"

In being named Philadelphia's nominee, Mailata received $40,000 to gift Philly Music Fest, his charity of choice. The national winner, which will get $250,000 towards their selected nonprofit, will be announced during NFL Honors on Thursday, February 5.

Fans are encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner. Eagles fans can vote for Mailata on X by posting #WPMOYChallenge with his last name (Mailata) or X handle (@jordan_mailata). Fans can also vote directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide. Second and third place will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Brandon Graham was Philadelphia's nominee in 2024. Three Eagles have won the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award: Harold Carmichael (1980), Troy Vincent (2002), and Chris Long (2018). — Written by Matt Ryan