Tackle Mailata always looking to improve
Jordan Mailata’s is built physically for comfort, but the left tackle is far from comfortable with his status on the team.
The 6-8, 345-pound Aussie and former member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the National Rugby League started the season at the LT spot, only to move to right guard following the return of Jason Peters from injured reserve. Mailata returned to left tackle because Peters played so poorly there, and is now beginning to settle in at the position.
Mailata has consistently improved on an offensive line unit that has started 11 different combinations in 12 games.
“I don’t go out there to settle, to get comfy. I never stay comfy, I always look for an edge up or a one up every day,” he said Thursday. “I feel like I’ve come a long way and so I kind of just have that in the back of my head. ... I don’t like to think that, back-toback games playing good. I just take it game by game, play by play. That’s pretty much my mentality.
“I’ve always had the saying since rookie year and I’ve stuck by that – one percent better every day and that’s what I need to do. I don’t like to settle down. I’ve still got a lot to prove and work on.”
Mailata approaches the quarterback change – rookie Jalen Hurts makes his first start Sunday against New Orleans – as a challenge for an offensive line that has taken a lot of criticism this season.
“I feel like I could have done a lot more to help my team out, to help Carson out, to help my O-line out,” Mailata said. “I take as much blame as people blaming him, believe it or not. As far as the rest of the O-line, we’re always very critical of ourselves, just the little things that we need to clean up and make sure that we can finish the season off strong and heading into next season with the positives.”
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The Eagles announced Thursday that safety Rodney McLeod has been named their nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
McLeod and his wife, Erika, founded the Change Our Future Foundation, which is designed to empower people through education, advocacy and awareness in the areas of youth development, healthy lifestyles and community enrichment.
In September, McLeod was named the NFL Players Association’s Community MVP after leading the cause to distribute 40,000 pounds of food through Philadelphia’s Share Food Program, something his foundation has done each month during the 2020 season.
McLeod also helped establish the Eagles Social Justice Leadership Council, which is comprised of players and club executives aimed at identifying potential grant recipients and securing contributions to the Eagles Social Justice Fund. The Fund has provided area-based organizations working to reduce barriers to equal opportunity with more than $1.3 million in funding.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named the Eagles’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,” McLeod said. “Growing up, I had a lot of people sacrifice to help me get to where I am today. The fact that I have this platform to give back, alongside my family, teammates and the city of Philadelphia, is truly humbling. Impacting the lives of others is one of the highest honors we can all strive to achieve, and I’m blessed to be recognized next to an inspiring group of peers who are making a difference in their communities.”
All 32 nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award receive
a donation of $40,000 to the charity of their choosing. The winner, which is announced during Super Bowl weekend, will receive a $250,000 donation.
McLeod has also volunteered for several other charities including MANNA, Ronald McDonald House, Rock to the Future, Laurel House, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Eagles Autism Foundation.
McLeod is in his fifth season with the Eagles.
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After missing practice Wednesday with a calf injury, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox was a full participant Thursday. The same cannot be said for linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), safety Rudy Ford (hamstring) and cornerback Michael Jacquet (hamstring), who were sidelined for a second day in a row.
Defensive end Derek Barnett (pelvis) and cornerback Darius Slay (calf) were limited participants Thursday.