Jordan Ta’amu is a name that may not immediately resonate with casual NFL fans, but for those following the progression of up-and-coming quarterbacks, Ta’amu is a name you should definitely know. His journey to professional football has been anything but ordinary, marked by his resilience, talent, and a desire to prove himself at every step. From his college years at Ole Miss to his time in the NFL and his stint with the XFL, Ta’amu’s story is one of perseverance and potential. This article will explore the life, career, and future of Jordan Ta’amu, a quarterback who has steadily built a reputation as a player to watch in the football world.
Who is Jordan Ta’amu?
Jordan Ta’amu is an American football quarterback known for his athleticism, strong arm, and ability to make plays with his legs. Ta’amu was born on March 15, 1997, in Pearland, Texas, and rose to prominence during his time at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). While his journey to the NFL has been unconventional, Ta’amu’s adaptability and determination have made him a standout player in both college football and professional leagues like the NFL and the XFL.
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Ta’amu’s story is a reminder that sometimes the path to success is not always linear. Whether through the NFL or the XFL, Ta’amu has shown time and again that he has the talent and drive to succeed, and his future in football remains bright.
Early Life and Background: The Beginning of Jordan Ta’amu’s Football Journey
Childhood and Family Influence Born to a family with roots in American Samoan culture, Jordan Ta’amu grew up in a football-oriented environment. His father, Uatele Ta’amu, was a strong influence in shaping his love for the game. Growing up in Texas, a state known for its deep connection to football, Jordan was exposed to the sport early on and developed a love for it during his childhood.
High School Career: Pearland High School
Ta’amu attended Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas, where he began to hone his skills as a quarterback. Despite his natural talent, Ta’amu was not initially considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. He played with a competitive edge, but his name wasn’t at the top of most college recruiting lists when compared to other quarterbacks across the state.
His time in high school, however, allowed him to refine the core skills necessary for a successful career. While he was not immediately recognized by major schools, his stats and performances at Pearland High demonstrated that he had what it took to play at the collegiate level. However, due to a lack of major offers, Ta’amu was forced to look for opportunities elsewhere.
College Career: Jordan Ta’amu at Ole Miss
Choosing Ole Miss: A Game-Changing Decision With a relatively under-the-radar high school career, Ta’amu had to work harder than most to get noticed. After high school, he enrolled at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico. The New Mexico Military Institute helped Ta’amu gain the attention of Division I schools, and he eventually transferred to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 2017. This marked a significant turning point in his football career.
Rise to Prominence: Starting at Ole Miss
Jordan Ta’amu’s breakout came during the 2017 season when he took over as the starting quarterback for Ole Miss after an injury to starting quarterback Shea Patterson. Ta’amu quickly made his mark by putting up impressive numbers and displaying poise on the field.
Throughout his college career, Ta’amu showcased his dynamic skill set as both a passer and a runner. Over the course of his time at Ole Miss, Ta’amu threw for over 5,600 yards, 30 touchdowns, and had a 66% completion rate while also adding over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground made him a dual-threat quarterback, and he gained significant attention from NFL scouts.
Key Highlights of Ta’amu’s College Career
Impressive Stats: Ta’amu finished his career at Ole Miss with over 5,600 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 1,000 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns. His versatility made him a dual-threat, capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground.
Outstanding Games: Some of his best performances came in high-profile matchups against top SEC teams, where he displayed his ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the best defensive players in college football.
Leadership: Beyond the statistics, Ta’amu was a leader for Ole Miss. His ability to lead a team and rally his players around him was evident throughout his college career.
Why He Wasn’t Drafted
Despite his impressive stats and performances, Ta’amu went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. There were concerns about his consistency, his ability to transition to the NFL, and his decision-making under pressure. However, despite these concerns, his potential was undeniable, and he found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs after the draft as an undrafted free agent.
NFL Career: Ta’amu’s Journey as an Undrafted Player
Kansas City Chiefs: A Rookie Season After going undrafted, Ta’amu signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. Despite the Chiefs’ crowded quarterback room, Ta’amu’s raw talent made him a valuable asset as a developmental prospect. He spent the 2019 season on the Chiefs’ practice squad, learning from veteran quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne. This experience allowed Ta’amu to refine his skills and get an inside look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football.
Stint with the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers: In 2020, Ta’amu had short stints with the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers, continuing his journey as a practice squad player. Although he didn’t see much game action, these experiences further helped him grow and learn the ins and outs of professional football.
XFL: A Fresh Opportunity for Ta’amu: Ta’amu’s most significant opportunity came in 2020 when he was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL. This was a crucial turning point in his career. With the chance to be a starting quarterback, Ta’amu showcased his leadership and ability to thrive in a more prominent role. He had a stellar season with the Battlehawks, throwing for over 1,100 yards and 5 touchdowns in just 5 games. His performance in the XFL helped him gain more exposure, proving that he had the tools to play at the professional level.
Jordan Ta’amu’s Playing Style: Dual-Threat Quarterback
One of the key aspects of Jordan Ta’amu’s game is his strong arm and ability to make deep throws down the field. While not known for being the most powerful arm in the NFL, Ta’amu’s arm strength allows him to make most of the throws required at the professional level. His ability to throw on the run is also one of his standout qualities, which makes him a dangerous quarterback in off-script situations.
As a dual-threat quarterback, Ta’amu’s mobility is one of his strongest assets. His ability to extend plays with his legs and gain yardage on designed runs or scrambles is something that NFL teams look for in their quarterbacks. His dual-threat ability allows him to be effective in both traditional pocket passing and in more improvisational situations.
What Needs to Improve
While Ta’amu has plenty of strengths, there are still areas in which he must improve to succeed at the NFL level. These include:
Consistency: Ta’amu needs to become more consistent with his decision-making and execution under pressure. While his athleticism is impressive, he must prove that he can make the right reads consistently in high-pressure situations.
Pass Protection: Like many young quarterbacks, Ta’amu needs to improve his ability to read defenses and avoid turnovers. Ensuring that he doesn’t hold the ball too long in the pocket or force passes is crucial for his development.
Future of Jordan Ta’amu: What’s Next?
Potential Return to the NFL: After an impressive stint in the XFL, Jordan Ta’amu’s future in the NFL looks promising. If given the chance, Ta’amu could be an ideal backup quarterback, capable of stepping in when needed. His versatility as both a passer and a runner gives him a unique skill set that could be valuable to any NFL team.
Possibilities for Ta’amu’s Career: NFL Backup Quarterback: Given his talents and potential, Ta’amu could find a role as a backup quarterback in the NFL, especially with his experience and dual-threat ability.
Starter in a QB-Rich System: If given the chance to develop in the right system, Ta’amu could eventually become a starting quarterback in the NFL. Teams looking for an athletic quarterback with the ability to make plays outside the pocket could be a fit for him.
International or Alternative Leagues: If an NFL opportunity doesn’t arise, Ta’amu could continue playing in alternative leagues like the XFL, which has provided opportunities for players to showcase their talent on a professional stage.
A Bright Future Ahead for Jordan Ta’amu
Jordan Ta’amu’s journey through football has been marked by persistence, hard work, and determination. From his under-the-radar high school days to his college career at Ole Miss and his opportunities in the NFL and XFL, Ta’amu has continuously proven that he belongs at the highest level of football.
While his path may not have been traditional, Ta’amu’s resilience and growth as a player suggest that his best years are still ahead. Whether in the NFL or another professional league, Ta’amu has the tools to succeed. Fans of football should keep an eye on this talented quarterback as he continues to develop and make his mark in the world of professional football.
FAQs
What is Jordan Ta’amu’s background?
Born on March 10, 1997, in Pearl City, Hawaii, Jordan Ta’amu is of Samoan descent. He initially started his collegiate career at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to Ole Miss. During his time at Ole Miss, Ta’amu made a name for himself with his impressive passing yards and ability to execute big plays. His dual-threat capabilities caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his entry into professional football.
What are Jordan Ta’amu’s career stats?
Jordan Ta’amu’s career stats reflect his strong arm and versatility as a quarterback. His college statistics include over 5,600 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. In the XFL, he was one of the top quarterbacks, leading his team to several victories and earning recognition as one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league.
What is Jordan Ta’amu’s playing style?
Jordan Ta’amu is known for his dual-threat playing style. He is an athletic quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. He possesses a strong arm, capable of throwing deep passes, but also has the agility and speed to escape the pocket and extend plays. His mobility allows him to be a constant threat in both passing and running situations.
How did Jordan Ta’amu perform in the XFL?
In the XFL, Jordan Ta’amu was a standout performer. He was the starting quarterback for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the 2020 season, where he showcased his ability to make plays under pressure. He threw for 1,050 yards and 5 touchdowns in the five games played, leading the BattleHawks to a 3-2 record. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
How has Jordan Ta’amu impacted the XFL?
Jordan Ta’amu played a pivotal role in the XFL’s 2020 season, helping to raise the profile of the league with his strong performances. His success in the XFL earned him a significant fan following and helped demonstrate that professional football leagues outside of the NFL could produce high-quality football and skilled athletes.
In Summary
Jordan Ta’amu’s journey through the ranks of college football, the XFL, NFL, and USFL is a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination. As a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, he’s consistently proven himself as a leader and playmaker on the field. From his roots in Hawaii to becoming a standout name in alternative football leagues, Ta’amu continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes especially within the Samoan and Pacific Islander communities. Whether he’s leading a game-winning drive or building his brand off the field, Jordan Ta’amu’s story is still being written, and football fans everywhere are eager to see where his journey takes him next. Keep an eye on him because he’s just getting started.
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