From Nigeria to the NFL: The Journey of Praise Olatoke
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Praise Olatoke's path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. At the tender age of five, Olatoke relocated to Scotland, a move that would set the stage for his future endeavors. Initially, his athletic prowess was showcased on the track, leading to a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University. However, it was his switch to football that would redefine his career trajectory.
In 2021, Olatoke made another pivotal move, this time to Ohio State University. Joining the Buckeyes, he spent two seasons on their track team, but it wasn't without its challenges. A torn Achilles tendon sidelined him during one of the seasons, a major setback for any athlete.
"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," Olatoke remarked, reflecting on his time at Ohio State. Despite being on the sidelines, Olatoke's introduction to football came through the university’s club football scene, a far cry from the NCAA spotlight.
"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 shared.
It was during one of these club football moments at Ohio State that Olatoke caught the eyes of scouts by catching a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State. His performance and potential did not go unnoticed.
Olatoke then participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a crucial stepping stone for international players aspiring to join the NFL. His journey took him to the IMG Academy, where he sharpened his skills before being allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The road was far from smooth. Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, but despite his efforts, he was not selected. Yet, fortune favored him soon after when the Chargers extended an invitation to their minicamp.
"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. This uncertainty culminated in a turning point for the young athlete.
"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.'" What followed was a whirlwind moment for Olatoke. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger."
Olatoke's signing with the Chargers marks a significant chapter in his young career. Despite the team finishing 5-12 last season, the addition of international players like Olatoke and CJ Okoye through the IPPP program brings a refreshing dynamism to the roster.
His story underscores the unpredictable nature of sports careers and the vast, often uncharted, pathways athletes can take to achieve their dreams. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way," Olatoke admitted. Yet, his journey is a testament to perseverance and the belief in 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."
Olatoke's narrative continues to inspire. From the tracks of Scotland to catching touchdown passes at Ohio State and finally signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, his journey is a remarkable testament to the global reach of American football and the boundless opportunities it represents.
As Olatoke embarks on this new chapter with the Chargers, the NFL will be keenly watching to see how this international talent adapts and thrives in one of the most competitive sports leagues in the world. With determination and the support of his friends, including former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, Praise Olatoke is poised to make his mark.