I won historic gold medal for Jamaica at Olympics, now I’m aiming to be the next Aaron Donald
Roje Stona has already reached the pinnacle of one sport. The 6ft 7ins Jamaican won an historic discus gold at Paris 2024. Stona is a world-class athlete and current Olympic record holderGetty His 70-meter throw broke the Olympic record and earned his country its first gold of the Games. “Winning was something I’ve been thinking about, but to be in the moment, it felt different,” the 25-year-old told CNN Sport. “It was definitely great because I created a lot of history, and I learned a lot afterwards that I’ve done more than what I thought.” But Stona is ready to risk his promising track and field career for a shot at making the NFL. He is yet to play a down in a game and put a helmet on for the first time after attending the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints‘ rookie camps. The Jamaican fell in love with American football while studying at Clemson – and his physical traits have people talking. “A track standout with an NFL body type and traits who possesses explosive hips and above-average core strength to pair with very long arms and huge hands,” was NFL analyst Lance Zierlein’s report. Stona admits he has a lot to learn, describing the process as entering ‘a different world’ and ‘learning a new language.’ “The coaches are not going to be like, ‘Oh, he’s new to football, let’s break it down for him,’” he told CNN. “That’s why they are trying to test every rookie because I’m just like one of the rookies. I’m a trial guy, so they’re not making it easy. GettyStona has conquered discus and is now ready to try his hand at NFL[/caption] GettyHe has watched tapes of Aaron Donald[/caption] “I watched the guys that go in front of me and try to make sure that I do similar or mimic what they’ve done and be coachable.” Stona has been announced as one of the International Player Pathway’s Class of 2025, listed as 270lb prospect at tight end or on the defensive line. Asked who he models his game on, he cited Aaron Donald and Chris Jones in a chat with ESPN, suggesting his main focus could be chasing down quarterbacks. But he has not completely shelved his athletic dreams and plans to compete at major championships. “Now that I’ve thrown 70 meters, I’ve gotten used to that type of distance, I know what it takes to get there,” he admitted. “So now there’s definitely a chance that I can still compete at a high level.” View Tweet: https://t.co/kYvgJq0tBJ Since the IPP program was established in 2017, 41 international players have joined teams. There are 23 still in the league and six are on an active roster. Australian Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata is the most successful. And there could be more in the pipeline as bosses expand their scouting programs to bring in younger and higher-profile talents like Louis Rees-Zammit, the Welsh rugby star who made a splash over the offseason and is currently with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. “Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally,” said NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly. “The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead.”
Roje Stona has already reached the pinnacle of one sport.
The 6ft 7ins Jamaican won an historic discus gold at Paris 2024.
His 70-meter throw broke the Olympic record and earned his country its first gold of the Games.
“Winning was something I’ve been thinking about, but to be in the moment, it felt different,” the 25-year-old told CNN Sport.
“It was definitely great because I created a lot of history, and I learned a lot afterwards that I’ve done more than what I thought.”
But Stona is ready to risk his promising track and field career for a shot at making the NFL.
He is yet to play a down in a game and put a helmet on for the first time after attending the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints‘ rookie camps.
The Jamaican fell in love with American football while studying at Clemson – and his physical traits have people talking.
“A track standout with an NFL body type and traits who possesses explosive hips and above-average core strength to pair with very long arms and huge hands,” was NFL analyst Lance Zierlein’s report.
Stona admits he has a lot to learn, describing the process as entering ‘a different world’ and ‘learning a new language.’
“The coaches are not going to be like, ‘Oh, he’s new to football, let’s break it down for him,’” he told CNN.
“That’s why they are trying to test every rookie because I’m just like one of the rookies. I’m a trial guy, so they’re not making it easy.
“I watched the guys that go in front of me and try to make sure that I do similar or mimic what they’ve done and be coachable.”
Stona has been announced as one of the International Player Pathway’s Class of 2025, listed as 270lb prospect at tight end or on the defensive line.
Asked who he models his game on, he cited Aaron Donald and Chris Jones in a chat with ESPN, suggesting his main focus could be chasing down quarterbacks.
But he has not completely shelved his athletic dreams and plans to compete at major championships.
“Now that I’ve thrown 70 meters, I’ve gotten used to that type of distance, I know what it takes to get there,” he admitted.
“So now there’s definitely a chance that I can still compete at a high level.”
Since the IPP program was established in 2017, 41 international players have joined teams.
There are 23 still in the league and six are on an active roster.
Australian Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata is the most successful.
And there could be more in the pipeline as bosses expand their scouting programs to bring in younger and higher-profile talents like Louis Rees-Zammit, the Welsh rugby star who made a splash over the offseason and is currently with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.
“Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally,” said NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly.
“The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead.”
