From Nigeria to the NFL: The Journey of Praise Olatoke
Praise Olatoke's path to the NFL is an extraordinary one, marked by perseverance, serendipity, and an indomitable spirit. Born in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke’s early years were rooted in a different continent and culture. It was at the tender age of five that he relocated to Scotland, setting him on an unexpected journey that would culminate in a professional football career in the United States.
Olatoke's athletic journey began not with a football but on the track. His remarkable speed earned him a scholarship to Canada's Trinity Western, where he dedicated himself to honing his athletic prowess. However, it was at Ohio State University, known for its robust sports programs, that Olatoke’s story took a significant turn. “I never played NCAA football. The club football is just guys who come together to play football and enjoy a Saturday morning. That's really it. It might be 15, 20 people in a crowd. There could be 50. Who knows?” Olatoke recalls.
Despite his lack of NCAA football experience, Olatoke’s talent as a playmaker didn't go unnoticed. His transition into football came naturally, evidenced by a memorable 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State. This was a significant achievement for someone whose introduction to the sport was merely through club football at Ohio State. However, his journey was fraught with challenges, including a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for part of his tenure with the Buckeyes track team.
Not one to be deterred by setbacks, Olatoke persevered. In 2021, he participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a pivotal moment in his career. Following an intensive training period at IMG Academy, he was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers, a testament to his potential and hard work. “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 admits. His humility and gratitude underscore the unlikely path he traveled to get to where he is today.
Before securing his place with the Chargers, Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. Despite his best efforts, he was not selected. “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 shares, a hint of the resilience that defines his journey.
A few weeks later, opportunity struck again. “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.” That uncertainty was soon replaced by excitement and validation. On the last day of minicamp, he was called into a meeting with the general manager. “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.'
It was an offer that changed his life. “There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger.” The Los Angeles Chargers' decision to sign Olatoke reflected their belief in his potential and the fresh talent emerging from the IPPP.
Olatoke's integration into the Chargers wasn't just a personal milestone; it was a testament to the burgeoning international talent making its mark in the NFL. Joining CJ Okoye, another IPPP recruit on the Chargers, Olatoke is part of a growing narrative of diverse talents enriching American football.
Outside of football, Olatoke maintains connections with fellow athletes, including Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star and a close friend. These relationships anchor him amidst the rigorous demands of his professional career.
Reflecting on his journey, Olatoke remains philosophical about his success. “If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially.” It is this belief that has driven him from the tracks of Ohio State to the gridiron of the NFL, a journey defined by unexpected turns, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of dreams.
The Los Angeles Chargers, coming off a 5-12 season, see in Olatoke a spark of potential to turn their fortunes around. His story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the uncharted paths that can lead to the pinnacle of success in professional sports.