FSU's Myron Rolle Earns Rhodes Scholarship

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It was a whirlwind of a Saturday for Myron Rolle. The Seminoles safety earned a Rhodes Scholarship, then got right on a plane to join his team for the 37-3 thumping of the Terrapins in-progress.

Rolle, an aspiring neurosurgeon, becomes Florida State's second athlete in three years to earn the scholarship, which entitles him to study for two years at Oxford.

"It was a very exciting day, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to study at Oxford," Rolle said at halftime with the Seminoles leading 21-0.

"This was a great experience. I will remember today for a lifetime."

Rolle had actually started 32 consecutive games before the tilt with Maryland. Even though Rolle is one of the team's best defensive players and FSU has an outside shot of playing in the ACC title game, coach Bobby Bowden wasn't about to let the game stand in the way of Rolle's interview in Birmingham.

"It's a no-brainer," Bowden said. "I know academics comes first."

Many columnists had stated the case this week for Rolle to get the scholarship, including Michael Wilbon and AOL's own Kevin Blackistone, and rightfully so. It's an uplifting example for all student-athletes, especially for a school that usually gets raked over the coals for suspensions like these.

No FSU football player had ever received the honor ... until now.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-23-2008 @ 7:00AM

Teri said...

Congratulations! I won't disrespect your aspirations and current accomplishments by calling you "my brother". A job well done, yours is a bright future, because you've earned it. Continued good wishes to your goals.

11-23-2008 @ 8:44AM

Esther said...

It's amazing that an athlete (a football player nonetheless--and I say that because people always try to claim that these kids are hoods) and all I see are two comments. I guess people only come out to talk on these things when something negative can be said, but when the article is positive, no one has anything to say. What a sad state us humans are in. Congratulations Mr. Rolle, it is an accomplishment in and of itself to be a Rhodes Scholar, but then to do it by being a football player on a good team like Florida State--that's just amazing. I hope you become one of the top neurosurgeons in the world--you certainly have the brains and tenacity for it.

11-23-2008 @ 11:15AM

VDOG said...

Guess the REDNECKS don't have ANYTHING to say about THIS BROTHA!!!!!

MNorris149 said...

Wow! This is what comes to mind! Before I began working at the University of Georgia, I had no idea the time commitment athletes have. There are practices and the games yes, but there are also the classes and manditory meetings, etc. It's amazing to me that any athlete is able to finish on time with everyone pulling them in all directions. Football and Basketball are two of the most time consuming (not to knock any other sport, I respect all athletes). When I hear of stories like this one I am truly amazed.
I wish Myron the best and good luck with his future studies.

Dawg fan but happy for FSU!
Lisa

11-23-2008 @ 11:16AM

Steven said...

It takes a special person to play sports and receive a Rhodes Scholarship. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Joe Harrison said...

Wonderful! May all your dreams come true!

11-23-2008 @ 11:20AM

John said...

My heartiest congratulations! It's so refreshing to read positive stories about college athletes once in awhile. I'm sure there are many more out there but the media has not interest in reporting them.

You serve as a terrific example for those folowing in your footsteps.

11-23-2008 @ 12:51PM

ROracheff said...

Is he related to Rolle of the AZ Cardinals?

11-23-2008 @ 1:49PM

TNKR602 said...

Its amazing how people turn this into a race thing. I went to HS w/ him. He is amazing, we were in a top Princeton prep HS and he graduated early w/ honors. Never once heard him talk "my brotha". He is a very intelligent, athletic, gifted African American Man who has obvoiusly worked hard his whole life. His family and friends are very proud and he should be a role model for all students and athletes - not just the"brotha's" , because his brothers are very intelligent as well..

11-23-2008 @ 2:29PM

marguerite said...

congratulations! you are inspiring. I saw the NYTimes article from 11/20 and had to follow up. I am so happy for you. All the best. Your determination and how you handle sucess is realy wonderful.

11-23-2008 @ 3:10PM

mk said...

Congratulations! You are inspiring. I saw the article from The NYTimes 11/20 and had to follow up. I am so happy for you. Your determination, how you handle success and generousity of spirit is really so very good. Myron Rolle my very best to you!

11-23-2008 @ 4:36PM

Cheryl said...

Congratulations Myron. I am so very thrilled and excited for you. What a magnificant accomplishment. It really is an honor to be considered for the Rhodes Scholarship but to be accepted is amazing. Keep reaching for the stars. No one can ever take your education away.

11-23-2008 @ 4:57PM

greg samuels said...

congrats!!!!!!!! and best wishes my brother!!!!!!!

11-23-2008 @ 7:59PM

Larry DiPano said...

Myron-Congradulations and best of luck!!! I know you from
your days at The Peddie School. Kristina and I have enjoyed
watching your play at FSU and we were both proud and excited to learn of your scholarship. Again it shows that hard work equals success!! Great for you and FSU-Go Noles beat the Gators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-24-2008 @ 8:57AM

Mike said...

Outstanding young man !!

12-03-2008 @ 5:50PM

Patrick Nation said...

I've been a fan of Myron's for a couple of years now but did not know that much about him. I like the way he makes a play and then walks back to the hudddle without beating his chest and telling the world to "look at me!" I heard him on the Jim Rome show today and I had one thought....I hope my son is as quality as person as this young man.
On a separate note: vdog, it's idiots like you that make Guys like Myron Rolle stand out even more!