Jamaica’s Olympic Games discus throw gold medallist, Roje Stona, is making waves in a new sporting frontier, setting his sights on the NFL. Stona has been selected as one of only 14 athletes from around the world invited to a prestigious 10-week training camp in Bradenton, Florida, starting in January. This marks a major milestone in his journey to the NFL, a dream that seemed distant just a few months ago.
Stona, who made history by winning Jamaica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in a throwing event with a remarkable 70.00m throw, is now making a name for himself in American football. His selection to the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme was announced by the league on Monday, signaling his potential in the sport. The 21-year-old has no previous competitive football experience, but his athletic prowess has caught the attention of NFL scouts.
The opportunity came after a groundbreaking evaluation event held in Kingston on August 14th at Mona Hockey Field. It was the first of its kind in Jamaica, with Stona outperforming a highly competitive field of local athletes. His impressive skills and raw potential were exactly what the NFL was seeking for its international talent pool. Scouts from top NFL teams, including the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints, were on hand to observe Stona’s performance.
The NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, established in 2017, identifies top global athletes with the potential to succeed in American football. The initiative provides these athletes with the resources and opportunities to refine their skills, ultimately with the goal of earning a spot on an NFL roster. If successful, athletes like Stona can be signed as free agents or selected during the 2025 NFL Draft.
This marks a significant chapter in Stona’s sporting career, as he transitions from Olympic gold medallist in discus to aspiring NFL star. Despite having no competitive football experience, he has impressed many during workouts at prestigious institutions like Clemson University and the University of Arkansas. Notably, just weeks after participating in the NCAA Indoor National championships in Boston as a finalist in shot put, he stunned NFL scouts with his performance at the University of Arkansas’s pro day.
As Stona prepares to embark on this new athletic journey, he is joined by another talented Jamaican, Sheldon Clarke. Although Clarke was unable to attend the NFL-IPP Combine in London due to visa issues, he remains in the mix for future opportunities with the league.
Stona’s selection for the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme is a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. As he heads to Florida for his training camp in January, all eyes will be on this rising star as he continues to defy expectations and chase his dream of playing in the NFL.
