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| Myron Rolle photos by Steed Media Service |
Rhodes
Scholar Myron Rolle became an overnight media sensation the moment he
became one of 32 finalists for the most coveted academic scholarship in
the world. For years, the former high school All-American and
All-Conference safety at Florida State University saw his gridiron
prowess partially obscure his astounding academic mastery. But it won’t
again. Rolle, one of the few African American athletic Rhodes Scholars
ever, finished his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in just 2.5
years with a 3.75 GPA – all while playing football. At the site of
Super Bowl XLIII, Rolle marveled over Barack Obama’s presidency,
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin’s success and his own thoughts about
being a Rhodes Scholar.
Rolling Out: Now that it’s had time to sink in, how does it feel to be a Rhodes Scholar?
Rolle:
“Being a Rhodes Scholar is outstanding. It’s the pinnacle. You have
presidents, prime ministers, lawyers, aristocrats and Nobel Prize
winners who have done it. I’m so happy that I’m able to join that
company.”
RO:
How do you feel about the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and
the specter of Steelers’ Head Coach Mike Tomlin becoming the third
African American to take his team to the Super Bowl?
Rolle:
“It’s outstanding. I was at the inauguration. I had tears in my eyes.
It was cold but it was fantastic. And now having a black coach coaching
the Super Bowl, it means we’re making progress and going in the right
direction. We will have some ways to go. Hopefully my generation can
help push it in the right direction.”
RO: A lot has happened since you became a Rhodes Scholar. Tell us about it.
Rolle:
“Lot’s of speaking engagements around the country. I got a book that
I’m about to start. And I’ll go over to Oxford to study as a Rhodes
Scholar. So it should be fun.”
RO: What three tips can you give students striving to become a Rhodes Scholar?
Rolle:
“Just a lot of focus, discipline, prioritizing, putting education
first. I think it’s important, not only for young black kids and white
kids – all kids – if they want to aspire to be something great. [They
should] really focus on school and academics so they can achieve their
goals right now.”
Rolle has aspirations for both a medical degree and a career in the
National Football League. Rolle announced on Jan. 12 that he will first
study at Oxford for the 2009-10 academic year to finish up his M.A. in
medical anthropology. After returning to the United States next year,
Rolle will enter the 2010 NFL draft. After his playing career is
complete, Rolle aspires to improve the medical infrastructure in
underdeveloped nations. –terry shropshire
