From the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to the gridiron dreams of the NFL, Praise Olatoke's story is one of perseverance, serendipity, and sheer willpower. Born in the vibrant city of Lagos, Olatoke's journey took its first significant turn when his family relocated to Scotland at the age of five. Little did anyone know that this young boy would one day find his way to American football through an unconventional path.
A Track Star Finds New Ground
Olatoke's early years were dominated by track and field. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Canada's Trinity Western, where he honed his skills. However, his journey was far from linear. In 2021, he made a bold move to Ohio State University, becoming a part of the Buckeyes track team. Regrettably, his time on the track was marred by a torn Achilles tendon, a setback that would sideline many. But for Olatoke, it was merely a detour to a greater destiny.
A New Chapter at Ohio State
During his tenure at Ohio State, Olatoke's introduction to football came in an unexpected form: 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 recalls. Unlike the NCAA, which he described as a booming business with billions funneling into making a show, club football was about passion and enjoyment.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Despite never playing NCAA football, Olatoke's raw talent couldn't be ignored. His break came with a remarkable 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a moment that would become a turning point in his burgeoning football career. This performance didn't go unnoticed and soon led him to the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).
Participating in the IPP opened new doors, leading to an allocation to the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint at IMG Academy. However, the path remained rocky. Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, only to face disappointment as he was not selected. But as fate would have it, the Chargers extended an invitation to their minicamp, an opportunity Olatoke grasped with both hands.
The Chargers Call
"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 recounted. Despite the uncertainty, his persistence paid off. On the last day of the minicamp, he was called into a meeting with the General Manager. "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 had secured a contract with the Chargers.
A Bright Future
Olatoke's journey is a testament to his belief in creating one's own luck. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way," he acknowledges. Yet, his story is also about determination and seizing opportunities whenever they arise. His friendship with former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is a testament to his diverse athletic connections and support systems.
Now, as a member of the Chargers, alongside fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye, Olatoke looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Chargers, coming off a 5-12 season, are in a rebuilding phase, and the addition of international talents like Olatoke offers a glimpse of hope and rejuvenation.
"If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," Olatoke believes. This mindset, combined with his unique journey and undeniable talent, positions Praise Olatoke as a name to watch in the coming seasons of the NFL.