Olympic Gold Medalist and Rugby Star Join NFL's International Player Pathway Program

Jamaican discus champion Roje Stona and Australian rugby player Jordan Petaia lead a global cohort of 14 athletes training for potential NFL careers.

Roje Stona, who won Olympic gold in discus with a record-breaking 70-meter throw, and Jordan Petaia, a 24-year-old Australian rugby veteran, are transitioning to American football through the NFL's International Player Pathway program.
The 14 selected athletes, representing 13 countries, will undergo a 10-week training program at IMG Academy in Florida, culminating in a showcase for NFL scouts in March 2025.
Stona, 25, has prior exposure to American football, having participated in pro days and minicamps with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints earlier this year.
The program, established in 2017, has successfully placed 41 international athletes with NFL teams, including notable graduates like Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Mailata.
The NFL has expanded opportunities for international players, including a dedicated practice squad spot for each team and increased chances for active roster elevations during the season.