The Remarkable Journey of Praise Olatoke: From Lagos to the NFL
The path to professional sports is rarely straightforward, and Praise Olatoke’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a touch of serendipity. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke’s athletic career has been marked by several pivotal moments, each one propelling him closer to his ultimate goal: playing in the NFL.
A Lifetime of Relocations and Resilience
Olatoke’s story begins in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born and spent the first five years of his life. The family then relocated to Scotland, a move that would lay the foundation for his early interest in athletics, though it wasn't initially in football.
During his childhood in Scotland, Olatoke developed a passion for track, a pursuit that blossomed as he grew older. This dedication earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University, where his athletic talents continued to shine. However, the broader destiny had much more in store for him.
The Injury That Changed Everything
In 2021, Olatoke made a decisive move to Ohio State University, where he joined the Buckeyes track team. His tenure there was marked by both achievements and challenges. A torn Achilles tendon during one of the seasons at Ohio State was a significant setback. Despite the injury, he remained undeterred, channeling his focus towards recovery and new opportunities.
It was at Ohio State where Olatoke was introduced to a new sport—club football. “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?” he explained.
Though not part of the NCAA, his stint in club football was crucial. It provided the exposure and experience that would lead him to his next major breakthrough.
From Club Football to NFL Aspirations
Olatoke’s remarkable talents were soon recognized, leading him to catch a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State—an extraordinary feat that caught the attention of scouts. His performance on the field earned him a spot in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), an initiative designed to provide elite international athletes the opportunity to compete in the NFL.
Following his participation in the IPPP, Olatoke was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers after a critical stint at IMG Academy. Although his initial foray into the professional arena had bumps, his persistence soon paid dividends.
"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 recalls. The experience with the Philadelphia Eagles, while not culminating in a contract offer, was a valuable stepping stone in his career.
A Breakthrough with the Chargers
The turning point came when the Los Angeles Chargers invited him to their minicamp. Olatoke’s initial uncertainty turned into elation. “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,” he elaborated.
The minicamp proved to be a defining moment. On the last day, Olatoke was called into a meeting with the team's general manager. “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 a short span, Olatoke was offered a contract, making him officially a Charger. “There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger,” he reminisced with palpable pride.
Looking Forward
With the Chargers finishing 5-12 last season, there's significant anticipation for the upcoming season, particularly with the promising additions from the IPPP, including Olatoke and CJ Okoye. The camaraderie and competitive edge that these international players bring to the team could be pivotal.
Reflecting on his journey, Olatoke remains humble yet optimistic. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way. If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially.”
Moreover, Olatoke’s journey is buoyed by the support of friends like Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star, underscoring the crucial role that personal relationships and support systems play in the lives of professional athletes. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Olatoke's eyes remain set on carving out a successful NFL career, inspiring countless young athletes across the globe.