NFL DREAM
NFL DREAM . Olympic Champion Stona to put throwing career on hold for NFL quest
The Jamaica Observer
Jamaica’s Roje Stona competes in the men’s discus throw qualification at the Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on August 5, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

Rojé Stona may have created history in the field by becoming the first Jamaican and Caribbean athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in the men’s discus throw, but he may be tempted by another type of field as a National Football League (NFL) dream may become a reality.

The 25-year-old announced himself to the world at the summer games in Paris when he threw an incredible 70.00 metres to win gold and set a new Olympic record, breaking the 20-year-old mark set by Lithuania’s Virgilijus Alekna. Stona not only became the first black athlete to claim the crown but also the first winner outside of Europe since 1976.

However, through all his achievements, Stona holds a firm interest in the NFL and will be able to impress scouts after being selected to participate in the league’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme set for next month.

Stona, along with 14 other athletes, will undergo a 10-week training programme at the IMG Academy in Florida before showcasing their skills in front of NFL club scouts as part of the University of South Florida’s Pro Day in March.

Earlier this year, Stona had tryouts at former NFL Champions New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers as a defensive end but didn’t secure a contract.

Though he has never played competitive football in his life, Stona told the Jamaica Observer that he would potentially put his discus throw career on hold for the chance to play in one of the world’s biggest leagues.

“I wasn’t at any training camps because of the Olympics, so that opportunity passed for this season. If I’m given the opportunity to represent one of those franchises, I’ll definitely take it on or consider it at least, but I’m definitely curious to see how that would play out if I do it, so we’ll see,” he said.

Forty-two Jamaican-born players have competed in the NFL, with Matt Peart, drafted in 2020, being the most recent. Stona believes the opportunity to become number 43 would be personally fulfilling while putting Jamaica on notice.

“It would mean a lot, it would just be a new part of my story, part of my journey. I don’t know if anyone has done that before, especially in Jamaica, and I’d just create a new path for different athletes,” he said.

“[American] football is not a sport taken seriously locally, so new doors are going to open. If I’m going to be the one to do it, I’ll do it. But that’s only if the opportunity comes, so we’ll see what happens.”

However, the former Calabar High, Clemson University, and University of Arkansas standout will return to the ring if he doesn’t make an NFL roster.

He hasn’t set any specific targets, but it’s likely he will be aiming to medal at the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo next September.

“There’s a target on my back, so there’s never a reason to be comfortable, never a reason to feel like the position is there for me. A lot of people didn’t expect that I’d win [at the Olympics], so the fact that it happened, they’re looking forward [to beating me], because I’ve definitely set a standard for myself and I’m trying to make sure I maintain that standard. I’m going to try to be in the best shape of my life,” Stona said.

“The main thing for me is to remain fit for the entire season, compete at a very high standard and then what comes after that will be the best version of myself, so I’m not going to change much, not going to make it difficult or complicate it, but that’s pretty much how I’ll take on next season.”

In Paris, Ralford Mullings and Traves Smikle also made the discus throw final but finished ninth and 10th, respectively.

With national record holder and 2019 World Championships silver medallist Fedrick Dacres aiming for a national spot next season, Stona believes the event is in great shape locally.

“I think we’re doing exceptionally well. I’m very pleased to be honest, because I remember during the junior years I saw the potential and how highly competitive we are as throwers and when we do perform well internationally. It’s funny, because we’re such a close community with throwing; we talk, everybody has close expectations, and we look forward to competing and we support each other. We definitely think there’s a future for throwing, especially with the younger talent coming up.”
Jamaica
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https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/12/16/nfl-dream/
2024-12-16
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Olympic Champion Stona to put throwing career on hold for NFL quest
NFL DREAM