Baltimore Ravens' viral Aussie: Why Daniel Faalele is dividing NFL fans

Tobey Lewis

Baltimore Ravens' viral Aussie: Why Daniel Faalele is dividing NFL fans image

Every NFL franchise has players who polarise the fanbase.

For the Ravens, it's Daniel Faalele - the 207 centimetre 167 kilogram right guard whose size makes him impossible to miss and whose play makes him impossible to ignore.

Faalele, a fourth-round pick from the University of Minnesota, has always been defined by his frame.

Born in Melbourne to a Samoan father and Tongan mother, he didn't pick up a football until later in life.

Yet his blend of power and surprising mobility made him a rare prospect. By the time Baltimore called his name in the 2022 draft, he was the heaviest player in the league.

That physical profile is what continues to intrigue the Ravens' coaching staff, even as Faalele's performances spark constant online debate.

Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh this week defended his young lineman while conceding that he still has some rough edges.

"He’s a big, strong guy, he moves his feet well, he bends, he’s getting better at using his hands," said Harbaugh.

"Run blocking has been good but he’s got to be more consistent in both areas.

"He’s had some bad plays that haven’t looked great but he’s a good football player and he’s getting better."

Consistency is the keyword. Faalele showed his upside early in the Ravens' Week 3 loss to the Lions, clearing the way for Derrick Henry's opening touchdown.

MORE: Aussie NFL wrap-up in Week 3

But as their offence began to unravel, quarterback Lamar Jackson was sacked seven times - tying the franchise record - and scrutiny inevitably circled back to the o-line.

Jackson himself offered only guarded comments about the social media criticism targeting Faalele.

"He’s an NFL guard," said Jackson.

"Every position in the NFL is hard to play. It’s easy to just watch and tell somebody you should be doing this. It’s easy to direct someone, but it’s hard to do. I’ll leave it at that."

Despite that tepid defence, as long as Jackson continues to take hits, the spotlight on No. 77 will only intensify.

Editorial Intern

Tobey Lewis

Tobey Lewis is a content producer for Sporting News Australia, specialising in rugby league and combat. He combines a passion for sport with a commitment to telling the stories behind the action.