Myron Rolle Chooses Oxford Over NFL

Florida State safety Myron Rolle was rightfully lauded for earning the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and the chance to spend up to two years studying at Oxford University in England. This is a significant achievement for any student, and even more impressive for a student-athlete competing in a top football program. Rolle hopes to eventually become a neurosurgeon.

Rolle is also one of the top defensive back prospects in the NFL Draft, which led to questions as to whether Rolle would go to Oxford or pursue his NFL career first. On Monday, Rolle quietly made it known in a text message to the New York Times' Pete Thamel, that he would be going to Oxford for a one-year program to get his masters in medical anthropology.

Rolle received a draft evaluation that would suggest he could be drafted in the first two rounds. Rolle intends to enter the NFL Draft in 2010. He is still turning down the opportunity to earn at least hundreds of thousands of dollars this year, for his academic and personal growth.

Not many people would even defer the money for a year. Then again, not many people are capable of earning a Rhodes Scholarship.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-13-2009 @ 11:44AM

moosetoga said...

That's called "winning the genetic lottery."

Matt said...

Maybe the media should be talking more about this guy and less about Saint Tebow.

1-13-2009 @ 12:13PM

football fan said...

I'm not even sure Tebow can spell medical anthropology!

1-13-2009 @ 1:20PM

CD said...

Congrats to Myron Rolle!! Now that is handling your business.

1-13-2009 @ 2:53PM

mike said...

that's just about as impressive as it gets. WOW

1-13-2009 @ 3:53PM

Tony said...

How about the media focuses more on Tebow and this guy and less on the likes of Pac Man, TO, etc.

1-13-2009 @ 8:44PM

Fonzie said...

Above average IQ... average football player, no way would he have been drafted on the 1st day of the draft.

1-14-2009 @ 12:12PM

jplaforce said...

Outstanding example of the phrase "student-athlete". Well done young man!

Rob said...

Myron is a great ROLE MODEL for all of us. fonzie you would not know a first day pick from an apple ,this young man should hear nothing but praise, god bless

1-14-2009 @ 3:35PM

Anne said...

Myron Rolle is to be congratulated for choosing to go to Oxford instead of the NFL. At least one person has their priorities right. I wish him all the best when he leaves, and maybe when he is "done" at Oxford he won't even want to go the the NFL.
Some of the guys commentating on the Playoffs right now, could learn a lesson in English.
Some of them have a problem of stringing a sentence together, with proper English. It's awful listening to them. I guess that's why they are not Rhodes scholars.

1-15-2009 @ 3:37PM

Valerie said...

Awesome decision! This young man is on the right track. He should be praised and supported for his decsison, and let's not forget all the hard work that he had to have put in both in and off the field. Always choose brains over brawn. He is a role model. He should be the rule not the exception.

1-19-2009 @ 11:47AM

bennysizzle1 said...

I heard an interview with Rolle on the radio. His 30 year plan is the most specific and focused set of goals that I ever heard. FSU should finally get some credit for cultivating a student athlete whose potential extends far past the NFL.

1-31-2009 @ 8:02PM

medsgtcsa said...

This just goes to show a class act kid with the drive to pursue a Rhodes Scholarship and I'm sure he will make an incredible brain surgeon. Rock On Rolle! Good luck in Oxford the Nole nation wishes you the best!