Bankstown local Jarrod Gray has broken new ground in the United States after signing a contract worth $3million with NFL powerhouse the New York Giants.
Gray, 22, originally dreamed of playing professional rugby league in the NRL and taking centre stage in State of Origin matches.
But he was then told he was ‘too big’ to make it as a professional league player, and should give up that desire.
Fast-forward to July 2026, and Gray is living the high life.
He has now been signed by the New York Giants NFL franchise after deciding less than 18 months ago to pursue gridiron football full-time.
‘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.
Jarrod Gray (pictured) is set to to make his mark at The New York Giants in the NFL
The 22-year-old (pictured) has just signed a three-year deal with the popular franchise
‘With opportunities you’ve got to take it with both hands and just run with it,’ he added.
Gray played rugby league for more than five years before making the switch to gridiron, and played SG Ball Cup for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Amazingly, he only began playing rugby league at 14-years-old, and only picked up the sport to fit in with his friends after playing basketball for a few years.
‘I kind of just followed my friends, all my friends were leaving basketball to go play rugby league, so I chose rugby league,’ Gray said.
His deal with the club was signed for pennies in comparison to his new contract, with the agreement being worth just $5000.
The 22-year-old’s journey somewhat mirrors that of current Aussie NFL poster boy Jordan Mailata, an athlete the 6ft 7in, 148kg youngster is heavily inspired by.
‘I was told I was gonna be too big [to play NRL]. That happened to Jordan as well,’ he said.
‘Using him as inspiration definitely guided me to where I am today.’
Gray (pictured), who was a former rugby league rising star, made the switch to gridiron football early last year
The Bankstown local (pictured) put pen to paper just weeks ago
Despite the 22-year-old putting pen to paper on a contract worth a mammoth $3million for three seasons, Gray isn’t letting the number influence him too much.
‘You never know when your next paycheck will come in, so for me it’s just about investing it and you know just be smart with my money,’ Gray said.
‘But at the same time, I’m not really focused on the money side, I’m just focused on … trying to become a better player and an even better person.
Gray will have his work cut out in trying to crack the 53-man roster at the Giants, and is set to face fierce competition in his position of left offensive tackle.
If he is able to live up to the potential many believe he has, he could be looking at earning up to 30 times the amount his first contract is worth.
Washington Commanders left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, the highest-paid left offensive tackle, is on a whopping $43.7 million.
Although he is the highest paid at the position, the average salary for a left offensive tackle is a staggering $30million per year.
The position is one of the most important in the sport, as the person playing it is responsible for protecting his team’s quarterback.
Gray (pictured with his sister, mother and father) will earn $3million across his three-year stint
The former South Sydney Rabbitohs junior (pictured) is currently weighing in at about 148kg – and is 201cm tall
Gray’s daily schedule is as busy and jam-packed as expected, with nutrition and his diet being a main focus for him on his journey to the top of the game.
‘We have amazing nutritionists and strength and conditioning staff,’ he said.
‘I’m eating steak, eggs, fruit… just whole food. I think I’m like 4,000–4,500 calories a day right now.’
His journey to the NFL has been nothing short of incredible, with Gray revealing he only started taking the sport seriously at the beginning of 2025.
Gray has since admitted he’s faced adversities along the way.
‘Coming from rugby league to going to play in America’s sport at the highest level, it’s just a challenge within itself,’ he said.
‘I’m going from tackling on my shoulder to now using my hands to stop plays. I’m going from just standing up to going into a stance, into a staggered stance.
‘There’s been challenges all around, but I love a challenge.’
Gray (pictured) was told he was ‘too big’ to play professional rugby league
The cross-code talent (pictured with sister Taneisha) is being tipped to succeed in the US
If Gray is selected in the 53-man squad, he will be collaborating with some of the game’s biggest stars – including Abdul Carter and Jackson Dart.
But despite all the hype around him, the gridiron star isn’t the only member of his family making headway in the world of sport.
His younger sister Taneisha is set to feature in the upcoming NRLW season for the Sydney Roosters after having played a few matches at the top level in 2025.
The pair have shared a special bond since they were kids, with the cross-code star reflecting on their upbringing.
‘It’s always been me and her. We always like to push each other, you know, push each other to strive for better,’ he said.
‘We’ve both seen the behind-the-scenes stuff that everybody sees, the ups, the downs … so I’ve always have a lot of respect and love for her.’
Gray is set to jet off to the USA in a few weeks’ time, and although his focus remains purely on the NFL, he’s also not ruling out a return to rugby league down the track.
‘You know what? I don’t know [if I will ever come back to league],’ he said.
‘I’m starting to love football too much. I never rule that out, you can never rule it out, but for me the main thing right now is just staying focused on my craft.’
