Olympic Champion Roje Stona Pursues NFL Career Through International Pathway Program

 

Roje Stona, the Olympic discus champion who claimed gold for Jamaica at the Paris 2024 Games, is now embarking on a bold new journey—transitioning from track and field to the NFL. The 25-year-old athlete has joined the league's International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which helps athletes from other sports make the leap into American football.

Stona, known for his impressive physique at 6 feet 7 inches and 270 pounds, is no stranger to football. While competing as a track and field star at the University of Arkansas, Stona participated in the school's pro day, an event where NFL teams assess potential prospects. Before his time at Arkansas, he attended Clemson University, where he developed a passion for football. This past spring, Stona further honed his skills by training at minicamps with the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers. NFL scouts see potential for him on the defensive line or as a tight end.

“I got a gold medal and set a record at the Olympics, and then they approached me again about the IPP,” Stona said in an interview with ESPN. “The door’s open, so I took the opportunity.”

While the IPP program, which lasts for 10 weeks, has not seen many athletes make NFL rosters, there have been success stories. Most notably, Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata transitioned from rugby to become a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles after going through the program. He recently signed a lucrative three-year, $66 million contract extension. Stona will join other rugby players like Australia's Jordan Petaia and Ireland's Aaron Sexton, who are also part of this year’s IPP cohort.

The NFL’s IPP has already produced players from across the globe, including Britain’s Efe Obada (Washington Commanders), Chile’s Sammis Reyes (Minnesota Vikings), and Germany’s David Bada (Detroit Lions).

Despite the challenge of making an NFL roster, Stona’s decision to switch sports reflects the growing trend of elite athletes seeking new opportunities in the world of American football.