Praise Olatoke's Unlikely Journey from Lagos to the NFL
In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, the story of Praise Olatoke began—a narrative that, against all odds, would lead to a professional NFL contract. His journey has been far from typical, tracing paths across continents and through unexpected detours.
Olatoke relocated to Scotland with his family at the tender age of five, where his early athletic interests were firmly planted in track and field. Speed on the track earned him a scholarship at Canada's prestigious Trinity Western University, setting the stage for an athletic career. Yet, fate had more in store for him.
From Track to Turf
In 2021, Olatoke made a pivotal move to Ohio State University. It was here that his life would take a significant turn, albeit not without its challenges. He spent two seasons on the Buckeyes track team, showcasing his speed and agility. However, a torn Achilles tendon during one of those seasons was a major setback, one that might have derailed many an athlete’s career.
Instead of retreating, Olatoke broadened his horizons. It was at Ohio State that he first encountered another sport—football. "I never played NCAA football," Olatoke recalls. "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?" It was through this humble beginning that his passion for football ignited.
A Spark of Talent
Olatoke’s natural athletic prowess quickly shone through on the football field. He delivered notable moments, including catching a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State. Despite his obvious talent, Olatoke remained undrafted in NCAA football, a reality he approached with pragmatic insight. "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," he noted.
Still, his skills had not gone unnoticed. The NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) offered a pathway that suited his unique journey. Olatoke seized the opportunity, showcasing his abilities at IMG Academy. His performance captured attention, leading to his allocation to the Los Angeles Chargers.
From Tryouts to the Chargers
Before cementing his place with the Chargers, Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. Although he wasn’t selected, the exposure was invaluable. "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 explained.
Shortly after, the Chargers made their move. "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 shared.
Securing the Contract
Clarity came soon enough. "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.'" That same day, the Los Angeles Chargers offered Olatoke a contract, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger," Olatoke recounted with palpable satisfaction.
A Story of Perseverance
The Chargers, coming off a 5-12 season, have added Olatoke through the IPPP alongside CJ Okoye. With his track record of perseverance and adaptability, Olatoke is poised to make a significant impact. His story underscores a broader narrative of opportunity and resilience. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," says Olatoke, encapsulating the essence of his journey.
From Lagos to Los Angeles, Praise Olatoke's journey to the NFL is a testament to what is possible with tenacity and self-belief. As he now dons the Chargers uniform, Olatoke’s tale inspires not just aspiring athletes, but anyone chasing a dream against all odds.