Myron Rolle skips NFL Draft to study at Oxford on Rhodes Scholarship
 

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Florida State’s Rolle to Skip NFL Draft for Rhodes Scholarship
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By Bob Bensch and Curtis Eichelberger

Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Florida State University safety Myron Rolle is bypassing an immediate chance at a multimillion-dollar contract in the National Football League to study at Oxford University.

Rolle, a three-year starter for the Seminoles, is accepting a Rhodes scholarship to study at the school in England, said his brother McKinley Rolle, who is managing Myron’s media appearances.

Rolle, 22, started all but one game for Florida State this season, arriving late for the Nov. 22 game at Maryland after completing a Rhodes Scholar interview. He finished third on the team with 62 tackles and was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference second team.

He graduated in 2 1/2 years with a degree in exercise science and is pursuing a master’s in public administration, Florida State said when it announced in November that he was among the 32 scholarship winners. He will work on a master’s degree in medical anthropology there.

“We’re expecting Mr. Rolle to join us at Oxford,” Colin Lucas, warden of the Rhodes Trust, which supports scholars selected to study at the school, said in a telephone interview. “He hasn’t given any indication he won’t.”

The New York Times said Rolle has been told he was projected to be one of the top 49 picks in the NFL draft, with the potential to go higher with a strong performance at the league’s scouting combine.

The top-picked safety in 2008, Kenny Phillips of the New York Giants, made $3.8 million this season, including bonuses. He was selected 31st overall.

Rolle, who graduated from the Hun School of Princeton, New Jersey, has said he plans on attending medical school after a career in the NFL.

Former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley and ex-Maryland Congressman Tom McMillen, both basketball players, were Rhodes Scholars, as was former NFL quarterback Pat Haden.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: January 13, 2009 10:59 EST

That's amazing.

Hell, I'm sure that he could become just as financially successful by doing this, and it won't cause him a great deal of bodily harm like the NFL would.

Good for him.

I think it's stupid. Take the money; you can always pursue academics later. But I guess his heart wasn't into football.

good for him.

He's only taking 1 year off to study. Then entering the NFL Draft next year. Plans on play "8-9 years" in the NFL before becoming a neurosurgeon.

I think he's making the right choice. A chance to study at Oxford for a year with a full scholarship?

It's not always about the money.

I too someday wish to be a nurosergen.

While I applaud his desire to further his education the history of players sitting out a year prior to going into the NFL hasn't really worked out very well.

But at least he will have an education once he bombs in the NFL.

Even if he's only delaying entering the NFL for a year, its still likely to cost him a few million dollars. He'll fall in the draft and become a free agent a year later, costing him a significant amount of money. I suppose if he becomes a neurosurgeon he won't be hurting for money (and it seems his family has money), but leaving millions of dollars on the table is a lot for anyone.

"Check out the big brain on Rolle"

Not for somebody in his position, that is how high his chances are.. Good for him, damn those people that might be good role models.. Someone should tell them it is all about the money..

good for him, it's his life,

Excellent decision.

He's young and his tools won't erode by missing one year of college ball. He'll probably still be a first day pick in 2010 and based on education and intelligence, he'll have plenty of earning potential outside of football.

Kudos.

Not that he needs more of a fire under his ass, but has to be something extra knowing he could be making dollars but he is CHOOSING to hit the books.