Australian NFL star Daniel Faalele overcomes a major hurdle and is drafted into the Baltimore Ravens roster

Aussie Man Mountain Daniel Faalele was named to the Baltimore Ravens final NFL roster despite only starting the game five years ago and sustaining a preseason knee injury.

It’s an incredible feat for the 6’1″, 370 lb. offensive lineman and Melbourne native, who is currently the tallest player in the NFL and second tallest of all time.

Faalele, who is just 22, has only been playing gridiron since 2017 after relocating to the United States from Australia, where he was eventually recruited to the University of Minnesota football program.

Daniel Faalele pictured with longtime girlfriend Brianna Montgomery at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota

Faalele plays for the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason game against Arizona on Aug. 21

After being selected by the Ravens in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April, the Australian project pick still faced a difficult challenge in trimming the final 53-man roster from the original 90 players.

Though Faalele was still raw, injuring his knee during pre-season training and handing years of experience to his teammates, Faalele impressed the coaching staff and earned his spot through sheer hard work.

It’s a phenomenal achievement for an Aussie in what is one of the most important positions on an NFL team.

Daniel Faalele with mother Ruth after the Aussie was drafted by the Ravens in April

Faalele made his first two preseason game appearances on the field as an NFL player, making his debut against the Titans before playing against the Cardinals.

The fact that he’s played so many snaps — the second most on the team — in the Titans game in particular shows how highly he is already held in high esteem by the coaching staff.

A particular highlight (see below, Faalele wears number 77) showed him slightly blocking his opponent on the right side of the line, which helped running back Mike Davis score a four-yard touchdown.

Daniel Faalele (right) blocks Rashad Weaver in the Ravens’ preseason win last week

Faalele is understandably raw when it comes to the intricacies of blocking, but Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman couldn’t be more impressed with the former University of Minnesota standout’s progress.

“I’m really happy with him. I think he took a step by staying here after our offseason program and working with our strength and conditioning staff and stuff,” Roman said after a recent training session.

“I really think it got him into camp in much better shape and ready to compete.”

Daniel Faalele, who was born and raised in Melbourne, was recruited to Baltimore from the University of Minnesota

Instead of going home to put his feet up and grab a celebratory drink or two for six weeks between mandatory minicamp and the annual preseason training camp for the entire roster, Faalele packed up and stayed on Ravens grounds.

It helped him get much fitter for the training camp and he passed the fitness test with flying colors despite his enormous stature.

Faalele will now seek further rehabilitation from his injured knee and will make his official NFL debut for the Ravens this season.

The mighty franchise, led by superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, begins its campaign against the lowly Jets Monday, September 12 (AEST).

Baltimore Ravens 53-man roster

The final 53-man roster for the Ravens after cuts were announced on Wednesday

DEFECTIVE (27)

Quarterbacks (2)

• Lamar Jackson
• Tyler Huntley

running back (4)

• JK Dobbins
• Mike Davis
• Justice Hill
• Patrick Ricard

wide receiver (5)

• Rashod Bateman
• Devin Duvernay
• James Proche II
• Demarkus Robinson
• Tylan Wallace

Tight End (5)

• Mark Andrews
• Isaiah probably
• Nick Boyle
• Charlie Colar
• JoshOliver

Offensive line (11)

• Ronny Stanley
• ben powers
• Tyler Linderbaum
• Kevin Zeitler
• Morgan Moses
• Patrick Mekari
• Yeah Waun James
• DANIEL FAALELE
• Tire Phillips
• Ben Cleveland
• Trystan Colon

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson

DEFENSE (23)

line of defense (5)

• Calais Campbell
• Michael Pierz
• Justin Madubike
• Travis Jones
• Broderick Washington

Full-back (3)

• Odafe Oweh
• Justin Houston
• David Oyabo

Central defender (5)

• patrick queen
• Josh Bynes
• Malik Harrison
• Josh Ross
• Christian Walch

Raven’s defensive tackle Calais Campbell

Corner defender (6)

• Marlon Humphrey
• Markus Peters
• Kyle Fuller
• Brandon Stephens
• Jalyn Armor Davis
• Damarion “Pepe” Williams

Security (4)

• Mark Williams
• Chuck Clark
• Kyle Hamilton
• Geno stone

SPECIALISTS (3)

• Foosball—Justin Tucker
• Punter—Jordan Stout
• Long Snapper—Nick Moore