Rojé Stona: From Olympic Gold to NFL Dreams

Track and field is a sport defined by minute details, where the smallest margins can mean the difference between triumph and despair. Jamaican discus thrower Rojé Stona experienced this reality firsthand at the Paris Olympics, turning a seemingly small measure into a life-changing moment.

As Stona stepped into the discus circle for his fourth attempt in the men’s final, he had no idea that a mere three centimeters would dictate his future path. Having previously finished 19th at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and ranked 12th before competing in Paris, Stona made history by becoming the first Jamaican to win gold in a throwing event. His throw of 70 meters not only earned him gold but also broke the Olympic record set just moments before by Lithuania’s Mykolas Alekna.

“Winning was something I’d dreamed about, but experiencing it was different,” Stona reflected. “Creating history was amazing, and I realized I accomplished more than I ever thought possible.”

Now, at 25, Stona is contemplating a career shift to the NFL after participating in rookie training camps with the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints. Despite having limited experience in football—donning a helmet for the first time during training—he is ready to risk his blossoming track career for a chance to play in the NFL.

“If there’s a 99 percent chance I’ll make a team, I’ll go for it. But if it’s only one or two percent, I need to be realistic,” he stated.

Inspired by legends like Usain Bolt, who won his first Olympic gold in 2008 when Stona was just nine, he initially pursued soccer before discovering his talent in track and field. After trying various events, he found his niche in the discus during high school.

“I picked up the discus and immediately threw it over 20 meters,” Stona recalled. His journey took him to the United States, where he studied at Clemson and later at the University of Arkansas. It was there he met Ryan Crouser, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in shot put, whose mentorship significantly boosted Stona’s confidence and skills.

Stona’s Olympic journey began with a standout performance, securing his spot in Paris with a 69-meter throw during the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational meet. His goal was to finish in the top three, motivated by a desire to avoid the regret of wondering ‘what if.’

When competition began, Alekna shattered a long-standing Olympic record, and it seemed he was destined for gold. But Stona had other plans. His fourth attempt flew 70 meters, stunning the crowd and securing an unexpected victory.

“When Mykolas broke the record, I respected him because I grew up watching his dad,” Stona said. “The throw was everything I aimed for, and I’m blessed it happened at the right moment.”

During his time in the Olympic Village, Stona even practiced celebrations, combining various poses to commemorate his victory.

In preparation for the NFL, Stona took a brief hiatus from discus training to attend the rookie camps. He quickly fell in love with football after being exposed to the game at Clemson. Invited as one of the few track athletes to showcase his potential in a new sport, Stona found the experience both thrilling and daunting.

Describing his first camp in Green Bay as “a different world,” he compared it to “learning a new language,” as he shifted his mindset from fan to student. He understood that he had to learn quickly, as coaches were not going to simplify things for him.

“Coaches expect every rookie to be at their best. I had to observe and mimic what I saw to adapt,” he explained.

While the current NFL season unfolds, Stona plans to focus on rest and recovery after an intensive athletics season. He is eager to explore what he could accomplish in football, especially since many people he encounters assume he plays the sport.

“Everywhere I go, people ask if I play football, not if I throw discus,” Stona noted. “Once I get advice from agents and coaches, I’ll be in a better position to make important decisions about my future.”

Despite the shift in focus, Stona remains committed to his athletics career, aiming to compete at the highest levels over the next two seasons. The gold medal in Paris has given him renewed confidence, and he’s determined to continue excelling in discus throwing.

“Having thrown 70 meters, I now know what it takes to get there,” he said. “I believe I can still compete at a high level.” With his sights set on both athletics and football, Stona is poised to carve out an extraordinary legacy in sports.