From Lagos to the Gridiron: The Journey of Praise Olatoke
Praise Olatoke's journey from the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, to the bright lights of the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Lagos, Olatoke’s family relocated to Scotland when he was just five years old. An early focus on track and field set the stage for his athletic ambitions, leading him to earn a scholarship at Canada’s Trinity Western University.
In 2021, Olatoke made another leap, this time to Ohio State University, where he spent two seasons as part of the Buckeyes track team. His time there wasn't without its challenges; during one season, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a setback that could have derailed his athletic career. However, it was at Ohio State that he found a new passion—football.
An Unlikely Introduction to Football
Despite never playing NCAA football, Olatoke got his introduction to the sport through club football at Ohio State. "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 recounted. It was a humble beginning, devoid of the glitz and glamour of NCAA games, but it sparked a newfound interest in him.
He acknowledges the dichotomy between NCAA football and club football, noting, "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." Despite the differences, Olatoke seized every opportunity to hone his skills.
Making a Mark
His nascent football career saw a significant moment when he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a play that put him on the radar of scouts and recruiters. This eye-catching performance and his athletic prowess earned him a spot in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).
Olatoke’s journey through the IPPP brought him to the prestigious IMG Academy, where his skills were further refined. Following his stint there, the NFL allocated him to the Los Angeles Chargers. His path wasn't straightforward, marked by stints at different camps and trials.
After attending the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp and not being selected, Olatoke received an unexpected opportunity from the 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."
An Unlikely Breakthrough
He continued, "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.'" In a whirlwind moment, within an hour and a half, Olatoke signed a contract with the Chargers.
Reflecting on his journey, Olatoke remarked, "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 highlighted the sheer improbability of his success, pointing out, "I think the statistic is one out of every 300,000 or 400,000 high school kids in the U.S. make it to the league."
A New Beginning
With the Chargers, Olatoke joins a team that finished last season with a 5-12 record. He brings a fresh spirit and an inspiring story of resilience and perseverance. Alongside fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye, Olatoke's journey from Nigeria to the NFL stands as a testament to the power of determination. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he affirmed.
Olatoke's odyssey from Lagos to Los Angeles carries an aura of destiny. His story is a beacon for aspiring athletes around the world, proving that with passion, persistence, and a touch of serendipity, the most unlikely dreams can become reality.