Praise Olatoke: From Lagos Roots to NFL Dreams
Early Beginnings and Athletic Pursuits
Praise Olatoke's journey to the NFL defies conventional pathways and highlights a determination that borders on the extraordinary. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke relocated to Scotland at the tender age of five. His early years in athletics were concentrated on the track, a sport that eventually earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University. However, the sporting world had different plans for him.
In 2021, Olatoke found himself at Ohio State University, where his journey took a dramatic turn. His tenure with the Buckeyes track team was marred by a devastating torn Achilles tendon, posing a significant setback to his athletic aspirations. But it was also at Ohio State that Olatoke discovered a new passion: football. His introduction to the sport came through the camaraderie and casual competition of 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?" said Olatoke.
The Leap to Professional Football
Despite his limited exposure to the sport, Olatoke's talent caught the attention of key observers. His potential as a football player was evident to those who witnessed his game-changing 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State. This earned him a place in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a prestigious route for international athletes aspiring to join the NFL.
His participation in the IPPP saw him allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers after training at IMG Academy. Before this, he had attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, where he narrowly missed selection. Reflecting on the experience, Olatoke commented, "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."
However, Olatoke wasn’t without options. "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." The initial uncertainty dissolved when he was summoned into a meeting with the 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.'"
That decisive meeting culminated in a contract offer. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger," recounted Olatoke.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The Los Angeles Chargers, who finished 5-12 last season, are banking on the unique talents of Olatoke and fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye to bolster their ranks. The franchise recognizes that while Olatoke’s road to the NFL has been anything but traditional, his journey is a testament to resilience and fortuitous breaks. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way," admitted Olatoke.
Despite the obstacles, Olatoke remains resolute in his belief that perseverance can shape outcomes. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he asserted. This mindset has undoubtedly been a driving force in Olatoke's life, as he transitioned from a track athlete to an aspiring NFL player.
With a keen eye on his past and an unwavering focus on his future, Olatoke’s story is one of sheer determination and an unshakeable belief in oneself. His journey serves as an inspiring narrative for many aspiring athletes worldwide, emphasizing that alternative paths can still lead to remarkable destinations.