Jamaica’s Olympic Games discus throw gold medallist, Roje Stona, is setting his sights on a new athletic horizon: the NFL. Stona, who made history by claiming Jamaica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in a throwing event with a 70.00m throw, has been selected for the NFL’s prestigious International Player Pathway (IPP) programme.
The 21-year-old, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Munro College team, was chosen from a competitive group of 14 men from 14 different countries. The selection follows an intense evaluation held at the Mona Hockey Field in Kingston on August 14th—an inaugural event for Jamaica. Stona’s standout performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, including representatives from major teams such as the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
The IPP programme, launched in 2017, seeks to identify and nurture elite global talent with the potential to play at the highest levels of American football. Participants are offered a chance to train and improve their skills during a 10-week camp in Bradenton, Florida, starting in January. For Stona, this marks a pivotal opportunity to transition from his established career in athletics to professional football.
After the training camp, players could either be signed as free agents or, if eligible, selected during the 2025 NFL Draft. Each of the 32 NFL teams can grant one roster exemption for a qualifying international player, and those selected may also be placed on a dedicated practice squad reserved for international athletes.
Stona’s journey is especially remarkable given his lack of competitive football experience. Despite having attended Clemson University and the University of Arkansas, he had never played American football before. However, his impressive performance at the University of Arkansas’ NFL prospect workout in March—just two weeks after competing in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor National Championships—showed that his athletic prowess extends beyond the discus throw.
Stona’s success in the NFL’s IPP programme represents a significant milestone in his athletic career, and his journey could inspire other athletes looking to transition from one sport to another. He’s not the only Jamaican with NFL aspirations: Sheldon Clarke, a former Munro College football player, is also hoping to catch the scouts’ eye after being denied a visa to participate in the NFL-IPP Combine in London earlier this year.
As the NFL continues to expand its global talent pool, Roje Stona’s unique path could soon make him a trailblazer, proving that with determination, athletes can break barriers and shine on the world stage.
