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FSU Safety Nabs Rhodes Scholarship

Florida State safety is the first major footballer to nab the honor in a generation

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Nov 24, 2008 3:05 AM CST

(Newser) – Florida State defensive back Myron Rolle has been awarded a Rhodes scholarship, making him the first Division I football player in a generation to win the nation's most prestigious post-grad award, reports the New York Times. Rolle will do a one-year masters degree in medical anthropology at the University of Oxford in England if he accepts the scholarship—though he’s still weighing a run with the NFL.

Rolle, who graduated from his pre-med course of study in 2.5 years with a 2.75 GPA, is the highest profile student-athlete to become a Rhodes scholar since NBA star and former senator Bill Bradley in 1965. He’s one of 32 winners this year, and the fourth winner in Florida State’s history. Rolle is waiting for the dust to settle, and will make his final decision whether to accept the award “with my family," he said.

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Florida State safety Myron Rolle enters the game against Maryland in College Park, Md., Saturday. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Florida State safety Myron Rolle reaches over to hug a child during half time of a game last month in Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Florida State safety Myron Rolle is congratulated after his team defeats Maryland 37-3 in College Park, Md., on Saturday. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Florida State University football player Myron Rolle is featured on Outside the Lines the day before learning that he's been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. (RiceSportManagement)

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I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if he heads off to Oxford in October. He’s really an academic. There aren’t a lot of Renaissance kids out there. He really is.
- Sally Karioth, Rolle's academic supervisor

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FSU Safety Nabs Rhodes Scholarship