Jarrod Gray, a 22-year-old Australian athlete, has signed a three-year contract worth $3 million with the NFL's New York Giants, marking a significant shift from his rugby league aspirations.
Gray, who previously played rugby league and was told he was too large for the sport, decided to pursue American football full-time less than 18 months ago. His journey to the NFL is inspired by current Aussie NFL player Jordan Mailata, who also faced similar feedback regarding his size in rugby league. Gray, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 148kg, aims to play as an offensive tackle, a position crucial for protecting the quarterback.
"It's just a blessing … the opportunity that I've been given to sign a three-year deal with the Giants," Gray told the Daily Mail. "With opportunities you've got to take it with both hands and just run with it."
Gray's transition involved adapting from rugby league tackling techniques to the specific demands of American football, including adopting a new stance and learning to use his hands to block opponents. He has been focusing heavily on his diet, consuming 4,000–4,500 calories daily with the help of the Giants' nutrition and strength and conditioning staff. He is set to join the team in the U.S. in the coming weeks.
While Gray is focused on his NFL career, he has not ruled out a return to rugby league in the future. His sister, Taneisha Gray, is also making strides in professional sports and is set to compete in the upcoming NRLW season for the Sydney Roosters. The siblings have a close bond and have motivated each other in their respective athletic pursuits.
Gray's path to the NFL began after he started playing rugby league at 14, initially joining the sport to socialize with friends. He played SG Ball Cup for the South Sydney Rabbitohs before making the switch to gridiron football. His initial contract for rugby league was reportedly worth only $5,000, a stark contrast to his current NFL deal.
He faces competition for a spot on the Giants' 53-man roster, with the potential to earn significantly more if he reaches the level of top offensive tackles in the league, whose salaries can reach tens of millions of dollars annually. The average salary for a left offensive tackle is approximately $30 million per year, with top earners like Laremy Tunsil making $43.7 million.