Australian offensive tackle Jordan Mailata has been awarded the ‘NFL Way to Play’ award for the first week of the 2021 season.
The weekly trophy, whose winner is chosen by a panel of ex-players, is essentially a ‘play of the week’ award, recognising the best single contribution from any player.
Mailata was recognised for his fourth-quarter block on Atlanta safety Richie Grant, that allowed wide receiver Jalen Reagor to score a breakaway touchdown for the Eagles.
“I was just doing my job,” Mailata said on the day.
“The timing had to be perfect. Just bee-lining it and bury someone if you get the opportunity.”
Each recipient of the award gets a US$2500 ($3428 AUD) equipment grant to be awarded to the local youth or high school football program of the player’s choice.
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“Through the award, football players and fans from around the world can see real-time examples of excellent football fundamentals and skill development,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
“Watch Mailata, we’re going to see this a lot during the season,” said Cris Carter on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football when the award was announced.
“Because with the new rules, defensive backs can’t cut the offensive lineman, so we’re going to see a lot of bugs splattered on the windshield.”
“This is what we want to see,” Carter said of Mailata’s technique.