Praise Olatoke's Unconventional Journey to the NFL
Lagos, Nigeria, known for its bustling streets and vibrant culture, was the birthplace of Praise Olatoke. But his tale of perseverance took him far beyond the borders of Nigeria, trailing across continents to Scotland at the tender age of five.
Olatoke’s early days were dominated by track and field. His speed and agility on the track quickly made him a standout athlete. This prowess earned him a scholarship to Trinity Western University in Canada, a leap many aspiring athletes only dream of. However, his athletic journey took another turn when he transferred to Ohio State University in 2021, aiming to make his mark on the Buckeyes track team. Over two seasons, he demonstrated exceptional skill, even while battling significant setbacks, including a torn Achilles tendon.
From the Track to the Gridiron
While track was his first love, a new passion emerged for Olatoke at Ohio State: football. Introduced to the sport through the university's club football program, he found camaraderie and a fresh challenge. "I never played NCAA football. The club football is just guys who come together to play football and enjoy a Saturday morning," Olatoke shared. "Basically, the NCAA has money; that's it. The NCAA has billions of dollars every year that funnels into it to make a show, to make a production."
Despite not playing NCAA football, Olatoke managed to showcase his potential. A standout moment came when he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a feat that hinted at his innate ability on the gridiron. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way," he admitted, highlighting the serendipity of his journey.
The NFL International Player Pathway
Olatoke’s raw talent did not go unnoticed. He participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), an initiative aimed at giving international players a shot at the NFL. His performance during the program was impressive, leading to an opportunity at IMG Academy, renowned for shaping athletes into professionals.
Olatoke's path to the NFL was anything but straightforward. He attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, an experience that, although not culminating in a contract, affirmed his capabilities. "After the IPP and stuff, there were a couple of teams that reached out. One of them, obviously, was the Eagles. I went to their rookie minicamp, but that didn't work out," he said.
A New Beginning with the Chargers
Then came the call from the Los Angeles Chargers. Initially uncertain about what a one-way ticket to their minicamp entailed, Olatoke soon found clarity. "A few weeks later, the Chargers reached out to me and said, 'Hey, we would be interested in bringing you out to our minicamp'. At first, I wasn't sure what was going on because they only sent me a one-way ticket," he recounted.
The minicamp proved to be a defining moment. "On the last day -- which was a Thursday -- one of the staff said, 'Hey, you've got a meeting with the GM'. I walked in and saw the GM. There were a couple of other people there, and they basically said: 'We like you. We think we're going to take a chance on you, so if you're up for it and you're willing to work, we're going to sign you,'" Olatoke described. Within hours, he had a contract in hand, marking the start of his professional career with the Chargers. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger."
Charting New Territory
As a fresh face on the Chargers' roster, Olatoke joins fellow IPPP product CJ Okoye. The team itself is in a phase of rebuilding, having endured a challenging 5-12 season. Despite the hurdles, Olatoke remains undeterred, driven by the belief in crafting his destiny. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he affirmed.
Olatoke's journey from Lagos to Los Angeles, via the track lanes of Canada and Ohio, is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. It underscores that while talent is vital, the willingness to seize unexpected opportunities and make the most of them is what sets great athletes apart. With his new platform, Olatoke is poised to make a significant impact, perhaps echoing the words of his friend, former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who knows a thing or two about breaking barriers in sports.
Only time will tell how high Olatoke will soar in the NFL, but his story already stands as an inspiring narrative of hard work, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.