Praise Olatoke: From Lagos to the NFL
Born in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, Praise Olatoke’s journey to the NFL is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and serendipity. At the tender age of five, Olatoke's family relocated to Scotland, where he began his early athletic pursuits, initially focusing on track. His exceptional talents on the track earned him a scholarship to Canada's Trinity Western, setting the stage for an unexpected path to professional football.
In 2021, Olatoke’s athletic journey took another turn as he moved to Ohio State University. There, he spent two seasons on the Buckeyes track team. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During one of his seasons at Ohio State, Olatoke suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a setback that tested his determination and resilience. But in Ohio, another door began to open - the world of American football.
“I never played NCAA football,” Olatoke admits. “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?” Despite not playing NCAA football, his raw talent didn’t go unnoticed. Olatoke caught a notable 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, showcasing glimpses of his potential on the gridiron.
Olatoke's big break came when he participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). His journey through this program led him to a stint at the prestigious IMG Academy, where his performance caught the attention of NFL scouts. After an initial opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, which did not result in a contract, Olatoke received an intriguing offer from the Los Angeles Chargers.
“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 recalls. His uncertainty soon turned into opportunity. “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.'”
Within an hour-and-a-half, Olatoke was offered a contract, officially making him a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Reflecting on his unexpected journey, he acknowledges the elements of luck and timing. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way."
The Chargers, who finished 5-12 the previous season, saw potential in Olatoke that others may have overlooked. His journey underscores the unpredictable nature of American football, especially for international players. Olatoke joins CJ Okoye, another talent from the IPPP, in the Chargers' roster, adding to the team's diverse lineup.
Olatoke's story is further colored by his connection with Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star who is also his friend. This camaraderie highlights the global reach and diverse backgrounds of athletes transitioning to American football. Olatoke's philosophy is clear. “If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially.”
As Olatoke embarks on his NFL career, the young athlete from Lagos stands as an inspiring figure for many, particularly for those international players aspiring to make it in American sports. His unique route from track athlete to NFL player is a shining example of adaptability and perseverance.