It’s not all sadness and heartbreak for Jamaican track and field fans. While some of the country’s biggest stars failed to prove their worth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, one savior stepped up to keep the hopes alive with his seminal performance. 25-year-old Roje Stona brought Jamaica its first-ever gold in throwing events, while also securing the first gold at the 33rd Olympics. While celebrations to commemorate the triumph are underway, it looks like more good things are incoming for the discus thrower.

Roje studies at the University of Arkansas. Not only that, the Jamaican also trains under shot putter Ryan Crouser, who himself won a gold at the French capital. Naturally, for folks in America, Stona isn’t a new name altogether. However, with his latest feat on the grand stage, Roje might be looking at a life-changing new chapter next.

Olympic gold medalist looking at a profitable contract soon

According to a post on X by award-winning sports journalist Trishana McGowan, Roje could be looking at a career in the NFL once his national duties are over and he returns to his camp with the Razorbacks. “I love track and field. However, I love an when athletes make MONEY!” reads the caption of the post, as McGowan is evidently happy at the fact that an American-bred athlete is standing on the verge of achieving the financial benefits that he deserves.

“#NFL teams have shown interest prior, so now may the best team pick him up and triple his earnings,” says the journalist further, hinting that the Olympian could well become even more popular in the USA with a possible stint in the country’s biggest sporting league. With the top NFL teams scurrying to sign new rookies for the 2024/25 season, this will be a massive addition to Roje’s resume if everything pans out.

Moreover, considering that the minimum amount that rookies are expected to be offered with their 4-year contract is $10 million, Roje could be looking at a boost to his financial situation that most of his national teammates can only dream of. Moreover, while Jamaica has announced that it will gift gold medalists at the 33rd Olympic Games 6 million Jamaican dollars (which translates to roughly $38,000 USD), bagging an NFL contract will bear a bigger paycheck for Stona.  And yet, with how Roje managed to bring smiles to his country in the wake of their biggest stars failing to show their worth, such hearty news should be more than welcomed.

Something to make up for veteran Jamaican stars’ fumble

Just hours ago, Stona set a new Olympic record with his massive 70.00m discus throw in the City of Love. With that, he has also become the first non-European athlete to win gold in the event at the Olympic Games. His triumph becomes all the more seminal for Jamaica at the ongoing tournament because stars like Kishane Thompson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have all failed to haul gold when they were all favorites in their respective events. Kishane had to settle for silver in the men’s 100m dash, while Shelly-Ann forfeited the chance to win her last Olympic gold after she pulled out of the women’s 100m sprint attributing her decision to injury. And yet, despite his achievement, Roje won’t be making nearly as much money as his American comrades would.

Ahead of the Olympics, World Athletics promised a prize money of $50,000 to gold medalists. On top of that, the USATF announced an additional $37,500 for the stars who would bag gold in Paris, while the former NFL star added to the pot by promising $50,000 for gold medalists from his own pocket. It can easily be surmised that Roje will be making a lot less money for his gold on the grand stage compared to what athletes from the US will be getting for their achievements. However, if the Jamaican is indeed picked up an NFL franchise, his situation will surely improve by leaps and bounds. What do you think? Drop a comment below to share your take!