Praise Olatoke: From Nigeria to The NFL - A Journey of Determination and Fortune
Praise Olatoke's story is one of resilience, serendipity, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. At the tender age of five, he relocated to Scotland, where his early athletic prowess first blossomed in track and field.
It was not until he had earned a scholarship to Canada's Trinity Western that Olatoke’s story took an intriguing twist. Though excelling in athletics, his true sporting passion was about to be discovered on the other side of the Atlantic.
The Move to Ohio State
In 2021, Olatoke made a pivotal move to Ohio State University. Here, his athletic career took an unexpected turn – although not immediately. He spent two seasons running for the Buckeyes track team, a tenure interrupted by a severe injury: a torn Achilles tendon.
During his recovery, Olatoke found solace and new ambition in an unlikely place – the university’s club football team. "I never played NCAA football. The club football is just guys who come together to play football and enjoy a Saturday morning," he reflected. This informal setting was a stark contrast to the high stakes of NCAA sports, but it reignited a latent passion for American football.
A Remarkable Touchdown
Olatoke's foray into football saw a memorable highlight: catching a stunning 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State. This achievement marked a significant milestone, hinting at his potential on the gridiron.
The NFL International Player Pathway Program
Olatoke’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. He participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a critical stepping stone for international athletes aspiring to join the NFL. His journey continued at the IMG Academy, where his skills were honed and showcased.
The hard work paid off when he was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, his initial breakthrough didn’t come easily. He first attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. "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," Olatoke shared.
A Chance with the Chargers
Despite the initial setback, luck and preparation eventually aligned. "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," Olatoke recalled with a laugh.
The decision to take a leap of faith proved to be fortuitous. "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.' There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger," he recounted with palpable excitement.
A New Chapter with the Chargers
Though Olatoke's journey to the NFL was laden with uncertainties, he firmly believes in the power of determination and creating one's own luck. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he emphasized.
Now part of a squad that finished 5-12 last season, Olatoke is ready to contribute and solidify his place with the Chargers. Alongside CJ Okoye, another player from the IPPP, Praise Olatoke embodies the opportunities the program can offer to international talents.
Friendship and Support
Throughout his journey, Olatoke has had the support of friends like Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star. These relationships have provided a sturdy foundation as he navigates the complexities of a professional football career.
Olatoke’s path from Lagos to the NFL is a compelling saga of tenacity and fortuitous breaks. As he dons the Chargers' jersey, Praise Olatoke serves as a testament to the power of chasing one's dreams—no matter how unconventional the path may be.