Roje Stona joins exclusive NFL International Player Pathway program

In 2024, Roje Stona, the Jamaican Olympic discus champion, entered the NFL's International Player Pathway program with aspirations to transition from athletics to American football. He is not alone in this endeavor; Australian rugby player Jordan Petaia also joined the program, which accepted 14 athletes from various countries for a 10-week development camp at IMG Academy in Florida. Stona's journey into American football began after his Olympic success, where he set a record throw of 70 meters to win gold at the Paris Games. The IPP program serves to enhance opportunities for international athletes in American football by providing specialized training and exposure to NFL scouts, culminating in a Pro Day at the University of South Florida. This initiative has successfully facilitated the transition of numerous players into the NFL, with 41 international players having signed with teams since its inception. Stona and Petaia's participation is seen as a significant step in their careers, reflecting their determination to pursue their dreams in a competitive new sport. Stona, who participated in football minicamps with the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers prior to joining the program, possesses the versatility to trial as both a defensive end and a tight end. Meanwhile, Petaia, recognized for his talents as a Wallabies player, will also trial at the tight end position, asserting a commitment to learn and adapt quickly to the demands of American football. The selected athletes represent diverse backgrounds, coming from countries such as Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. Both Stona and Petaia have acknowledged the challenges and the commitment required for this career shift, indicating their readiness to immerse themselves fully in the NFL environment. The program represents a unique opportunity for the athletes to develop skills that may ultimately lead to a future in professional American football, with competitive spots available on NFL rosters. Stona's experience and training with professional football organizations provide him with a foundation on which to build his NFL journey, while Petaia's journey from rugby league to the NFL exemplifies the trend of athletes from other sports attempting to make a name in American football.