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Stona spared the blushes for the sprints-rich Jamaica in Paris and his move could have impact future medal prospects.
Paris Olympic discus throw champion Rojé Stona is setting his sights on a new challenge in the National Football League (NFL).
The 25-year-old will try out for the league through its International Player Pathway (IPP) program, according to ESPN.
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13:45 - 30.08.2024
Roje Stona: Why Golden Gala Pietro Mennea could be a game-changer for Olympic champion
Jamaica's Roje Stona is set to compete at the Golden Gala where he will face top rivals while contemplating his future in athletics and NFL tryouts.
"After the Olympics, the IPP reached out again. I was like, 'Yo, the door's open' again," Stona told ESPN. "Of course, I'm going to 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."
Though Stona is best known for his athletics achievements during his time at collegiate football powerhouses Clemson University and the University of Arkansas, he’s not entirely new to American football.
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20:40 - 27.10.2024
Jamaica’s only Paris 2024 Olympics gold medalist considering shock career switch
Roje Stona, who won Jamaica’s only gold medal is mulling the possibility of quitting athletics to play American football as he feels he has everything needed for an NFL career.
Earlier this year, Stona participated in Arkansas football’s pro day and has attended minicamps with both the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. According to NFL scouts, the 6'7", 270-pound Jamaican could be a strong prospect for the defensive line or tight end.
The 10-week IPP program is set to begin next month in Florida. Stona expressed excitement for the opportunity, though he remains uncertain about his long-term sports trajectory.
"There are a lot of variables. A lot of things can happen in a few months, you know what I mean?" Stona said. "So, it's hard to put an opinion on what's going to happen, but obviously I'm going to take it a step at a time. First, I'm going to make sure I try to go through this camp successfully," he added.
Stona is the 2019 NACAC U-23 champion and the 2018 Carifta U-20 Games champion.
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