Stoltman brothers make NFL history with unique first for Scotland – but ditch favoured Rangers blue for green to do so
THE STOLTMAN brothers muscled into the NFL Draft and made American football history.
The Scottish strongmen, who are big Rangers fans, wore the green of New York Jets to announce a new player.
The pick was revealed by Luke and Tom on the banks of Loch Ness at stunning Aldourie Castle.
Francisco Mauigoa from Miami was the Jets’ fourth-round choice - the first time ever a selection has been revealed from Scotland.
Last year, Irish rugby player and Love Island winner Greg O’Shea announced Braelon Allen for the Jets from Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse.
The three-day jamboree, where NFL teams pick new players from college ranks, was staged in Green Bay.
Read more Sport stories
But the Jets have a tie-in with UK and Ireland through the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
And the Stoltmans were thrilled to be asked to play a part in changing a young athlete’s life.
Younger brother Tom, three-time winner of ‘World’s Strongest Man’ and current holder, said: “It’s really cool.
“I hope they’re happy to join the NY Jets. We’ll have to pop over and watch a game.
“We have the kit now - and the specially-made Jets tartan kilts. We’re the NY Jets superfans!
“They can come to us for some off-season training, we’ll get them in shape!”
Luke, 40, added: “Of course, we will be keen to hear how they get on. They can reach out for training tips!
“I love the concept behind the draft picks. I can’t imagine how it must feel, as a young player, waiting to hear your name not knowing where in the country you will end up.”
The Jets will play a regular-season NFL game in London for the fourth time in October.
Vice president of finance and analytics, John MacCarter, admits staging one in Scotland would appeal.
“This is something the league office handles, but we’d be honoured to be considered if they can get there,” he said.
“Doing a draft pick from an iconic location in Scotland has been great.
“We want to introduce the Scots to American football culture and to what the Jets are all about.”
“What I love about Scottish sports culture is that rivalry - like the Old Firm.
“As best I can tell, that began 71 years BEFORE the New York Jets started!
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“But that doesn’t mean we haven’t created amazing rivalries ourselves.
“Our divisions are small, so we play the other three teams a lot and there’s plenty of room for animosity there. I can’t wait to introduce that to Scottish fans.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page