Posted on Dec 09

Jamaican Olympic discus champion Roje Stona joins NFL's International Player Pathway program.

u/alex • 1m

Jamaican Olympic discus champion Roje Stona is set to embark on a new challenge as he joins the NFL through its International Player Pathway program.

Why it matters: Stona's transition from track and field to American football highlights the growing global interest in the sport and the opportunities it presents for athletes from diverse backgrounds.

Stona, who recently won Olympic gold in discus, hopes to follow in the footsteps of successful IPP participant Jordan Mailata, who made it to the Philadelphia Eagles active roster.

What's new: The 25-year-old former University of Arkansas star will join athletes from various countries in the 14-player IPP program, including Australia, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.

Yes, but: While Stona excelled in discus, his previous experience with American football during Arkansas football's pro day and minicamps with the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers suggests potential in the sport.

Scouts at the pro day believe he has the skill set to try out as both a defensive end and tight end, showcasing his versatility.

What to watch: Stona's participation in the IPP camp starting in January will provide an opportunity for him to showcase his athleticism and adaptability in the context of American football.

What's next: If Stona impresses during the IPP program, he could secure a spot on an NFL team's roster, opening up new possibilities for international athletes to make their mark in the league.

The bottom line: Stona's decision to pursue a career in the NFL demonstrates the appeal and potential of the sport beyond traditional American football strongholds. It also highlights the NFL's commitment to fostering international talent and expanding its global reach.

Roje Stona on joining the IPP: "After the Olympics, [the IPP] reached out again. I was like, 'Yo, the door's open' again. Of course, I'm gonna take it. At the Olympics, I won gold, got a record. And after that offseason, they approached me again, so I took up the opportunity."

#nfl #jordan-mailata

Jamaican Olympic discus champion Roje Stona joins NFL's International Player Pathway program.

Jamaican Olympic discus champion Roje Stona is set to embark on a new challenge as he joins the NFL through its International Player Pathway program.

Stona, who recently won Olympic gold in discus, hopes to follow in the footsteps of successful IPP participant Jordan Mailata, who made it to the Philadelphia Eagles active roster.

Scouts at the pro day believe he has the skill set to try out as both a defensive end and tight end, showcasing his versatility.

What to watch: Stona's participation in the IPP camp starting in January will provide an opportunity for him to showcase his athleticism and adaptability in the context of American football.

What's next: If Stona impresses during the IPP program, he could secure a spot on an NFL team's roster, opening up new possibilities for international athletes to make their mark in the league.

Roje Stona on joining the IPP: "After the Olympics, [the IPP] reached out again. I was like, 'Yo, the door's open' again. Of course, I'm gonna take it. At the Olympics, I won gold, got a record. And after that offseason, they approached me again, so I took up the opportunity."