Praise Olatoke's Journey from Nigeria to the NFL
It started in Lagos, Nigeria, when Praise Olatoke was born, but his journey would traverse many countries and unexpected turns before landing him a spot with the Los Angeles Chargers.
At the tender age of five, Olatoke relocated to Scotland. His early years were marked by a strong focus on athletics, particularly track, which laid the foundation for his later success. In the competitive world of track, Olatoke's talents earned him a scholarship at Trinity Western University in Canada. However, his athletic career took a notable turn in 2021 when he transferred to Ohio State University.
Track Star to Football Newbie
Olatoke's time at Ohio State was a mixed bag. The promising athlete tragically suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a serious injury that could have ended his sports career. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience. During his tenure at Ohio State, Olatoke was introduced to football—not on the grand stage of NCAA football, but through club football, a more casual yet passionate arena.
"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 said.
Despite the informal nature of club football, Olatoke showed impressive skills on the field. One memorable highlight was catching a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, showcasing his athleticism and potential.
From Ohio State to the NFL Pathway Program
Olatoke's journey to the NFL gained momentum when he joined the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). The program, designed to give international athletes an opportunity to join NFL teams, provided Olatoke with critical exposure.
After a stint at IMG Academy, Olatoke was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers, marking a significant milestone in his budding football career. Yet, his path was anything but straightforward. The Philadelphia Eagles invited him to their rookie minicamp, but he was not selected. Persistence, however, paid off when the Chargers extended an invitation to their own minicamp.
"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 recalled.
The Chargers Take a Chance
His performance during the minicamp caught the attention of the Chargers' staff. On the final day, Olatoke was ushered 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,'" Olatoke shared.
Within an hour-and-a-half, Olatoke signed his contract, officially becoming a Charger. His journey, marked by tenacity and some luck, serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance.
Inspirational Figures and Personal Connections
Through his journey, Olatoke has maintained connections with inspirational figures across sports. One such figure is Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star, who is also a friend. Having supportive relationships has undoubtedly played a role in his success.
A Symbol of Possibility
Olatoke’s story resonates with many aspiring athletes who face long odds. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way," Olatoke admitted. However, he also stressed the importance 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."
The statistics are daunting; Olatoke himself noted, "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." Yet here he stands, a testament to the power of grit and perseverance.
The Chargers, who finished 5-12 last season, see potential in Olatoke as part of their roster, which also includes another IPPP product, CJ Okoye. While there is a long road ahead, and the memory of his Achilles injury still serves as a reminder of the fragility of athletic careers, Praise Olatoke is ready to work hard to make the most of this incredible opportunity.
His journey from Lagos to the NFL shows that with dedication and a bit of fortune, even the most improbable dreams can come true.