From Lagos to the League: The Unlikely Journey of Praise Olatoke
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Praise Olatoke's path to professional football has been anything but conventional. Relocating to Scotland at the tender age of five, Olatoke began his athletic career on the track, showcasing his speed and agility. His potential earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University before moving on to Ohio State University in 2021. The transition to Ohio State was pivotal, yet not without its challenges. One of the major hurdles was a torn Achilles tendon that hampered his performance during his tenure with the Buckeyes' track team.
Despite the setback, Olatoke found solace and a new passion in football, albeit through a non-traditional route. His introduction to the gridiron came by way of club football, a recreational experience at Ohio State that he describes as modest. "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 candidly shared.
While his football experience lacked the conventional collegiate stage, Olatoke's talent was undeniable. His skills caught the eye of the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a platform designed to offer elite international athletes a chance to make it to the NFL. Success in the IPPP led him to IMG Academy, where he further honed his craft.
Ohio State Memories and NFL Aspirations
Olatoke’s time at Ohio State was marked not just by his resilience but also by moments of brilliance. One standout memory includes catching a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, showcasing his remarkable speed and play-making ability. His unique journey continued as he attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, although he wasn't selected there.
Frustrated but undeterred, Olatoke's determination paid off when the Los Angeles Chargers extended an invitation to their minicamp. Recalling the experience, he said, "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."
Betting on Potential
The Chargers saw the potential in Olatoke and decided to give him a shot. "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,'" Olatoke recalled. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger."
The Chargers, who finished last season with a 5-12 record, are looking for new sparks to ignite their team. With the addition of Olatoke and fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye, the Chargers are exploring untapped international talent pools to build a competitive edge.
Creating His Own Luck
Reflecting on his journey, Olatoke acknowledged the fortunate breaks he received, but also emphasized the importance of perseverance. "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 admitted. However, his story is also one of relentless effort. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially."
It's a sentiment echoed by his friend Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star, who has watched Olatoke’s journey with admiration. What remains clear is that Praise Olatoke's evolution from a track athlete to an emerging professional football player is a testament to his resilience, athletic versatility, and unwavering determination. As he embarks on his NFL career, Olatoke not only carries the hopes of a franchise but also inspires countless young athletes around the world who dream of turning their own unconventional pathways into professional success.