NFL Jets sign British Olympic discus star

The New York Jets have signed former British record-holding discus thrower Lawrence Okoye, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, to the practice squad as an offensive lineman.

The 6-foot-6 (198cm), 138kg Okoye put his discus career on hold in 2013 to pursue a spot in the NFL despite never having played football in high school or college and was signed as undrafted defensive lineman by San Francisco that same year.

Okoye spent his rookie season on injured reserve and last year on the 49ers' practice squad.

He was cut after training camp this summer and signed to Arizona's practice squad in September - also as a defensive lineman before he was cut last month.

The Jets also re-signed defensive tackle TJ Barnes to the practice squad, and released cornerback Jeremy Harris.