From the sun-kissed shores of Pearl City, Hawaii, to the stadiums of the XFL, Jordan Ta’amu’s football journey is nothing short of cinematic. Who was once a standout at Ole Miss is now the maestro behind the D.C. Defenders’ offense. But how did this island-born talent carve his path from the SEC to becoming the XFL’s Offensive Player of the Year?
Jordan Ta’amu’s Journey Went From Ole Miss to D.C. Defenders
As a senior at Pearl City High School in 2014, he showcased his incredible performance on the field. She gained 1,779 yards and 29 touchdowns throwing, complemented by 392 rushing yards and two additional scores. His stellar performance earned him the Division II Offensive Player of the Year accolade.
Despite his high school gains, major college offers eluded Ta’amu. Undeterred, he took his talents to the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell. After a year, he exploded onto the scene in his sophomore year.
That’s where he amassed 3,014 passing yards, 328 rushing yards, and accounted for 39 touchdowns. Even though his stats garnered attention, only Minnesota and Ole Miss extended offers. Ta’amu chose the Rebels, setting the stage for his SEC adventure.
Arriving in Oxford in 2017, Ta’amu quickly made his presence felt. Stepping in as the starter for the final five games, he showcased poise and precision, throwing for 1,682 yards and 11 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability was evident, adding 165 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
The following season, as the full-time starter, he elevated his game, passing for 3,918 yards. The second-highest single-season total in Ole Miss history—and 19 touchdowns. With that, his 9.37 yards per attempt set a school record.
Alongside, he tied the program’s mark with 12 career 300-yard passing games. By the end of his collegiate tenure, Ta’amu had etched his name into the Rebels’ record books. He amassed 5,600 passing yards and 30 touchdowns over two seasons.
Navigating Through the Professional Landscape
Despite his collegiate success, the 2019 NFL Draft came and went without Ta’amu’s name being called. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans but was released before the season commenced.
The XFL’s 2020 revival offered a new opportunity, and Ta’amu seized it. He led the St. Louis Battlehawks until the league’s operations were halted due to the pandemic. In 2022, he joined the USFL’s Tampa Bay Bandits, leading the league with 2,014 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
January 2023 marked a pivotal turn as Ta’amu signed with the D.C. Defenders for the XFL season. Guiding the Defenders to a league-best 9-1 record, he threw for 1,894 yards (third in the league) and 14 touchdowns.
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The athlete’s mere three interceptions were the fewest among quarterbacks with over 150 attempts. Not just a threat through the air, Ta’amu added 298 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Under his leadership, the Defenders boasted the XFL’s top-scoring offense, averaging 29.6 points per game. His stellar play earned him the 2023 XFL Offensive Player of the Year award. As he continues to shine with the D.C. Defenders, Ta’amu’s story serves as an inspiring testament.
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