Olympic champion Roje Stona is the standout name among the 14 athletes recruited to take part in next year’s NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

Stona, 25, has left a hugely successful track and field career in an attempt to make it in the NFL. He won gold at Paris 2024 by setting an Olympic record in the men’s discus (70.00m) to become the first Jamaican to win an Olympic throwing event. Before making history in the French capital, Stona was invited to rookie minicamps by the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints in May.

The IPP program began in 2017 and identifies talented athletes outside the United States, helping to develop their skills over a 10-week camp with the ultimate aim of earning a spot on an NFL roster. Former Welsh rugby union star Louis-Rees Zammit was part of last year’s program and is currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, having previously spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I understand the work it’s going to take,” Stona, once a track and field star at Arkansas and Clemson, told BBC Sport. “I’ve done my research. I think a lot can happen in those eight to 10 weeks. I believe there’s great coaches who can teach me a lot.”

Stona, who was listed at 6’7” and 270lbs in March, is joined by Australia rugby union international Jordan Petaia and Aaron Sexton, who played for rugby union Irish club side Ulster. The 2025 cohort also includes a basketball player from New Zealand and two players with experience in the European League of Football (ELF).

The 14 athletes representing 13 nations, will begin the camp in January at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, attending field and classroom sessions. The program climaxes at the University of South Florida’s Pro Day in March, where they will be put before NFL scouts.

Since 2017, 41 graduates have signed with NFL teams, with 23 currently on NFL rosters. Graduates include Australian Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles) and Efe Obada (Washington Commanders) from the United Kingdom, who have had NFL careers spanning over five years with the former being part of a Super Bowl run in 2023.

The players can be signed as free agents or, depending on eligibility, selected during the 2025 NFL draft. In 2024, Travis Clayton from the IPP was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round.

The 32 NFL teams are afforded an extra roster spot for qualifying international players in their offseason roster and practice squads.

(Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)