Jamaican Roje Stona, fresh off his Olympic gold in discus throw, is embarking on a bold new journey: pursuing a career in the NFL. On Monday, Stona was named one of 14 international athletes selected for the 2025 International Player Pathway (IPP) program, an initiative aimed at scouting and developing global talent for the National Football League. This achievement follows his record-breaking performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he launched the discus 70 meters, setting a new Olympic benchmark.
While the transition from track and field to American football poses significant challenges, the 25-year-old is ready to embrace them: “I understand the work it’s going to take,” he told BBC Sport. After completing his college career at Arkansas and Clemson, he attended minicamps with the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, impressing scouts with his athletic prowess. Now, Stona is gearing up to prove himself in a completely new arena, fueled by his passion for the sport.
THE IPP PROGRAM: A GLOBAL TALENT SEARCH
Established in 2017, the International Player Pathway identifies exceptional athletes from outside the United States and provides them with the training necessary to compete at the highest level. Participants from 13 countries will attend a 10 week camp starting in January 2025 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. During this intensive program, they will develop their technical and tactical skills, with the goal of excelling at a Pro Day scheduled for March.
This year’s cohort includes athletes from diverse backgrounds such as rugby, basketball, and college football. Notable names include Australian rugby union star Jordan Petaia and Irish Ulster player Aaron Sexton. Since its inception, the program has facilitated 41 athletes in signing NFL contracts, including current players like Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles and Efe Obada of the Washington Commanders.
A NEW CHALLENGE FOR STONA
Although he lacks competitive experience in American football, Stona is banking on his athletic ability and the IPP program’s support to make a seamless transition. “A lot can happen in those eight to ten weeks,” he noted optimistically. The camp’s focus on advanced techniques and physical development suits an athlete of his build—6’3” (1.90 m) and 270 lbs (122 kg).
If successful, Stona and his peers could earn NFL contracts as free agents or even enter the 2025 NFL Draft. With a proven track record of excellence in athletics and a determination to succeed, Stona is poised to make his mark in a new sport, setting an inspiring example for aspiring international athletes.
