Roje Stona, the name echoing through the halls of Olympic history after his groundbreaking gold medal win in Paris this summer, is embarking on an extraordinary new chapter. The first Jamaican ever to win an Olympic throwing event, and record-breaker to boot, is trading his discus for a football. He’s traded the roar of the Olympic crowd for the roar of the NFL.
Stona is among 14 athletes from 13 countries joining the NFL’s prestigious International Player Pathway (IPP) program’s Class of 2025. This program, designed to nurture international talent, offers a unique pathway into the world’s most popular professional football league. The program represents a significant investment by the NFL in expanding its global footprint and identifying untapped talent worldwide.
The journey for Stona and his fellow recruits begins in January at the IMG Academy in Florida. For ten weeks, they’ll immerse themselves in rigorous training, honing their skills under the watchful eyes of experienced coaches. The culmination of this intense preparation will be a Pro Day in March, where they’ll showcase their abilities to NFL scouts, hoping to secure a spot in the league.
Stona isn’t alone in this bold pursuit of an NFL career. The IPP Class of 2025 boasts a diverse range of sporting backgrounds, including Australian rugby union international Jordan Petaia and Irish rugby player Aaron Sexton. This diverse group illustrates the growing appeal of the NFL and the expanding opportunities available for athletes transitioning from other sports.
The success of previous IPP participants provides inspiring examples. Louis Rees-Zammit’s high-profile switch from rugby union earlier this year, initially with the Kansas City Chiefs and then with the Jacksonville Jaguars, garnered significant media attention. Similarly, Irish kicker Charlie Smyth (Class of 2024) secured a position on the New Orleans Saints practice squad, and Travis Clayton (UK) was drafted by the Buffalo Bills.
The program’s track record includes established NFL players such as Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata (Australia) and Washington Commanders’ Efe Obada (UK), demonstrating the potential for international athletes to not only make the roster but also achieve significant success.
Representing the UK in the Class of 2025 are defensive tackle Dante Barnett, who previously honed his skills at the NFL Academy, and defensive lineman/linebacker Mapalo ‘Maz’ Mwansa, scouted at Loughborough University. Barnett began his football journey at age 15 in Birmingham, adding another unique narrative to this diverse cohort.
Stona, having previously attended college at both Arkansas and Clemson and even receiving rookie minicamp invitations from the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints this past May, brings a significant level of collegiate experience and prior NFL interest to the program. IPP players can secure an NFL contract either as free agents or through the 2025 NFL Draft, with an additional benefit: qualifying players are eligible for a 17th practice squad roster spot specifically reserved for international players.
“The Class of 2025 is an exciting one, and we are delighted to welcome these talented athletes from around the world to the International Player Pathway program,” said Peter O’Reilly, Executive Vice President, International, Events and Club Business at the NFL. “Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally. The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead.” The NFL’s commitment to global expansion is clear, and Stona’s journey is a compelling symbol of this exciting new era in professional football.
