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.
Roje Stona, who won Jamaica’s only gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, following an impressive win in discus throw, is exploring the possibility of switching to the NFL.
Stona made history in Paris when he became the first Jamaican to win a discus gold, saving his country the blushes after one of their most disappointing appearances at the games, as they failed to win a gold medal in track, especially sprints.
The 25-year-old had a record-breaking throw of 70m in Paris which earned him gold, to become an instant superstar in his country, but he feels he has the talents to play American football and would jump at the opportunity if it presents itself.
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"If there’s like a 99 percent chance that I’ll make a team, then, obviously, I’ll go for it. But if it’s like one or two, though, I got to be realistic,” Stona told CNN.
The former Reseas and St Jago High School student, who is also a Clemson University and University of Arkansas alumnus, is counting on his experience as an NFL rookie following his training camps with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
It would not be the first time he is switching sports after starting out with his first love, soccer, before he moved to athletics after being inspired by Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt.
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He fell in love with field events while in high school, starting with discus throw, before he honed his skills further during his collegiate career in the United States, when he was mentored by three-time Olympics shot put champion Ryan Crouser while at Clemson and later University of Arkansas.
Stona’s NFL aspirations have also been enhanced further by the questions he gets from observers, especially in the United States.
"Everywhere I go, people don’t ask, ‘Hey, you’re a discus thrower?’ No, people don’t ask that! Especially in the States, they ask, ‘Do you play football?’”
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He is now in discussions with coaches and agents to see if there is a possibility of making his NFL dream a reality.
"As soon as I get advice from agents and coaches, that will put me in a better position to make a very important decision or just be more decisive if it’s worth it or not,” he added.
“If that part leads me there, then I’m going to give it my all because it’s kind of now or never. I’m curious as to what I can do on the field, and if I end up playing in the NFL, that would be a part of my legacy – I’d love to do that.”
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