The Journey of Praise Olatoke: From Lagos to the Los Angeles Chargers
Praise Olatoke's journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to the Los Angeles Chargers is a testament to determination, adaptability, and a bit of serendipity. Born in Lagos, Olatoke made a significant move early in life when his family relocated to Scotland at the age of five. It was there that he first discovered his athletic prowess, initially focusing on track events.
Olatoke's talent on the track did not go unnoticed. He earned a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University, showcasing his speed and agility. However, it wasn't long before his journey took another turn. In 2021, he transferred to Ohio State University, joining the Buckeyes track team for two seasons.
Yet, Olatoke's time at Ohio State was not without challenges. During one season, he faced a significant setback—tearing his Achilles tendon. Despite this injury, he remained resilient. His time at Ohio State also marked his introduction to football, a sport he encountered through the university's club football program. "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, reflecting on his humble beginnings in the sport.
Despite not playing NCAA football, his skills on the field caught the attention of several scouts. Olatoke's big break came through the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). This initiative paved the way for his stint at IMG Academy, eventually leading to an opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. "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," he recounted.
However, as one door closed, another opened. Olatoke soon received an invitation to the Los Angeles Chargers' minicamp. Skeptical at first, he explained, "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." This uncertainty quickly turned into an opportunity of a lifetime.
On the final day of the minicamp, Olatoke received hopeful news. "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.'" Within a span of just a few hours, he had secured a contract. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger," he said, reflecting on the whirlwind experience.
Joining the Chargers, who had finished the previous season with a 5-12 record, Olatoke became part of a unique cohort of international players. Both he and CJ Okoye were products of the IPPP, a program designed to integrate and develop international talent in the NFL.
Throughout his journey, Olatoke has maintained a sense of gratitude and humility. "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. Yet, he also recognizes the importance of seizing opportunities. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he advised aspiring athletes.
Olatoke's inspiring story is exemplified by his strong work ethic and an unwavering belief in his potential. Growing up with a friend like Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star, likely provided a supportive environment for his athletic pursuits. His journey from Nigeria to Scotland, then to Canada and the United States, illustrates the global pathways athletes can travel in pursuit of their dreams. Despite never playing NCAA football, Olatoke's determination and adaptability have led him to an NFL career, showcasing that perseverance truly makes dreams attainable.