Roje Stona has already reached the head of 1 sport.
The 6ft 7ins Jamaican gained an historic discus gold at Paris 2024.
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His 70-meter throw broke the Olympic file and earned his nation its first gold of the Video games.
“Profitable was one thing I’ve been enthusiastic about, however to be within the second, it felt completely different,” the 25-year-old informed CNN Sport.
“It was undoubtedly nice as a result of I created numerous historical past, and I discovered loads afterwards that I’ve completed greater than what I believed.”
However Stona is able to danger his promising observe and subject profession for a shot at making the NFL.
He’s but to play a down in a recreation and put a helmet on for the primary time after attending the Inexperienced Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints’ rookie camps.
The Jamaican fell in love with American soccer whereas finding out at Clemson – and his bodily traits have folks speaking.
“A observe standout with an NFL physique kind and traits who possesses explosive hips and above-average core power to pair with very lengthy arms and large palms,” was NFL analyst Lance Zierlein’s report.
Stona admits he has loads to be taught, describing the method as getting into ‘a special world’ and ‘studying a brand new language.’
“The coaches usually are not going to be like, ‘Oh, he’s new to soccer, let’s break it down for him,’” he informed CNN.
“That’s why they’re making an attempt to check each rookie as a result of I’m similar to one of many rookies. I’m a trial man, so that they’re not making it straightforward.
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“I watched the blokes that go in entrance of me and attempt to guarantee that I do comparable or mimic what they’ve completed and be coachable.”
Stona has been introduced as one of many Worldwide Participant Pathway’s Class of 2025, listed as 270lb prospect at tight finish or on the defensive position.
Requested who he fashions his recreation on, he cited Aaron Donald and Chris Jones in a chat with ESPN, suggesting his major focus may very well be chasing down quarterbacks.
However he has not fully shelved his athletic goals and plans to compete at main championships.
“Now that I’ve thrown 70 meters, I’ve gotten used to that kind of distance, I do know what it takes to get there,” he admitted.
“So now there’s undoubtedly an opportunity that I can nonetheless compete at a excessive stage.”
Because the IPP program was established in 2017, 41 worldwide gamers have joined groups.
There are 23 nonetheless within the league and 6 are on an energetic roster.
Australian Philadelphia Eagles sort out Jordan Mailata is essentially the most profitable.
And there may very well be extra within the pipeline as bosses increase their scouting packages to herald youthful and higher-profile abilities like Louis Rees-Zammit, the Welsh rugby star who made a splash over the offseason and is presently with the Jacksonville Jaguars follow squad.
“Specializing in our world soccer growth efforts and fostering worldwide expertise is essential to rising our recreation globally,” stated NFL govt vice chairman Peter O’Reilly.
“The IPP program presents life-changing alternatives for worldwide expertise, and we sit up for following their progress within the weeks and months forward.”