Some NFL teams are intimidated by Myron Rolle’s intellect. A Rhodes scholar who studied medical anthropology at Oxford University, Rolle is also an NFL prospect that will likely be selected in the NFL draft on April 22. However, the All-American scholar has received negative feedback from several NFL team officials who are questioning if his dedication to football matches his commitment to education.
During a 45-minute interview with scouts and general management from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Senior Bowl, Rolle was asked about his feelings of abandoning his teammates at Florida State University during his junior year to study at Oxford University.
“I don’t think it’s fair that a NFL scout would ask a young man a question like that,” says Daniel Wilcox, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens. “He did not abandon his teammates. He went to college on a football scholarship and athletes are students first. He did the right thing. I’m sure his teammates backed him and I understood why he did it. The opportunity of being a Rhodes scholar can last him a lifetime. Once you’re 30-years-old in this league, they get ready to throw you away!”
In a league where dozens of professional players have made news headlines for being involved in criminal activity, Rolle’s willingness to give the NFL a few years of his life should be commended. –amir shaw
