Jordan Mailata is a big man with a big story to tell. From Australia to America — from rugby player to the NFL, to Pro Bowl alternate this season.
During an interview at Super Bowl opening night, the Eagles’ left tackle took out his cell phone to proudly show the camera that his screensaver was center Jason Kelce.
- “Jason is an inspiration. Jason Kelce is an epitome of a leader,” Mailata said. “I got him as my screensaver, as ‘Fat Batman.’
- “That’s how much of an inspiration he is to me. It’s an honor playing with Jason Kelce, the player and the person that he is.
- “You couldn’t ask for a better teammate and a leader. He leads by example. You see it by his play on the field.
- “More importantly, we see how he attacks every week in the classroom. Man, he walks the walk, talks the talk. He’s the epitome of a leader.”
HURTS EXTENSION?
Eagles chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie told ESPN that Jalen Hurts doesn’t have “anything to prove” with regards to a contract extension. Hurts is playing on his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension.
Hurts is “just what we’re looking for,” Lurie told ESPN at Super Bowl opening night. Hurts could become the NFL highest-paid player.
- “He is an MVP-caliber quarterback, an incredible leader of the team on the field, off the field. He’s 24 years old, incredibly mature and, most importantly, driven to be even better.
- “What we’re seeing today I think is just the beginning for Jalen. This guy will attack every weakness as he has since high school, since college. The future is bright and very exciting for all of us.”
INJURY UPDATES
Kansas City activated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from the injured reserve list. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman was placed on injured reserve and won’t play Sunday. Edwards-Helaire has been sidelined since Week 11 with a high ankle sprain.
Edwards-Helaire’s role as lead back has been taken over by Isiah Pacheco, a rookie who was picked in the seventh round. Pacheco is from Vineland, N.J., and played at Rutgers.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the Chiefs’ divisional round win over the Jaguars, said his injury is in a better spot now than it was heading into the AFC title game against the Bengals.
Safety L’Jarius Sneed suffered a concussion against the Bengals and didn’t return. He is expected to play Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are relatively healthy, with all 22 opening day starters expected to be ready.
‘GUT’ THEM
Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was videotaped driving to the Linc before the Eagles defeated the 49ers, 31-7, in the NFC title game.
The video was posted by Barstool Sports and it showed Gannon yelling that the Eagles were going to “bleeping gut” the Niners.
- Gannon told Philly Voice at Super Bowl opening night: “I had no idea I was getting videotaped, obviously, but love our fans and the passion that they have.
- “And I guess I was in the zone and I let my guard down for one minute and that’s what happened. But it was cool, all in good fun.”