Meet Rojé Stona: Olympic Champion with NFL Dreams

Track and field is known for its thrilling moments, where the smallest details can make the difference between victory and defeat. Jamaican discus thrower Rojé Stona recently experienced this firsthand at the Paris Olympics, where a difference of just three centimeters changed his life forever.

Ranked 12th before the competition and coming off a 19th-place finish at the 2023 World Championships, Rojé Stona wasn’t a favorite to win.

However, with a powerful 70-meter throw in his fourth attempt, he not only secured a gold medal but also set a new Olympic record, becoming the first Jamaican to win gold in a throwing event. He broke the record previously set by Lithuania’s Mykolas Alekna only minutes earlier.

“Winning was a dream,” Rojé Stona said afterward. “But being in that moment was different. I knew I was making history.”

Considering an NFL Career

At just 25 years old, Rojé Stona is looking at a new direction for his career—American football. Over the summer, he trained with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.

Although he’s never played football before, the experience made him consider a serious switch to the sport if he feels his chances are strong enough. “If there’s a 99 percent chance I’ll make a team, I’d go for it. But I need to be realistic if it’s not likely,” he said.

Stona’s path to athletics began when he saw fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt win his first Olympic gold in 2008. Though he initially loved soccer, Bolt’s success pushed him towards track and field. He experimented with different events until he found his passion in discus during high school.

After moving to the United States for college, he joined Arkansas, where he trained with Ryan Crouser, a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Working with Crouser boosted Stona’s confidence and helped him refine his technique.

Road to Olympic Success

To qualify for the Paris Olympics, Rojé Stona achieved an impressive 69-meter throw in the Oklahoma Throws Series, securing his place. In Paris, he had set his sights on a top-three finish, but his 70-meter throw far exceeded expectations.

“When Mykolas broke the record, I respected it. But when I threw, it felt perfect. I’m blessed it happened at the right time,” he said.

After his victory, Stona celebrated in style. He performed viral poses from the Games, including ones from Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, bringing excitement to his win.

In addition to his success in discus, Stona’s NFL tryouts were eye-opening. Analysts described him as having a “track star’s body but suited for the NFL.” Despite being new to football, he adapted quickly, learning the plays by observing other rookies.

He acknowledged the fast pace and high expectations in the NFL, saying, “The coaches aren’t going to slow down for a beginner.”

While a mid-season NFL offer isn’t likely, Stona remains curious about the sport. “People see me and assume I’m a football player, not a discus thrower,” he joked. With guidance from coaches, he’s hoping to make an informed choice about whether to pursue a football career.

For now, Stona is focused on his discus career. His Olympic gold has fueled his confidence, and he’s eager to continue competing in major championships over the next two years. “Now that I’ve hit 70 meters, I understand what it takes to compete at this level,” he said.

Whether in the discus ring or on the football field, Stona’s journey is a testament to the exciting paths athletes can explore with dedication and a willingness to embrace new challenges.