A Rising Star: Praise Olatoke's Unconventional Journey to the NFL
From Lagos to Scotland
Praise Olatoke’s story begins in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born. At the tender age of five, Olatoke and his family relocated to Scotland, a move that would set the stage for a journey filled with twists and turns.
Early Athletic Pursuits
In Scotland, Olatoke's initial foray into the world of sports was through track, where he honed his athletic abilities. This early involvement would later prove invaluable, but it wasn’t until he earned a scholarship to Canada’s Trinity Western University that his path started to diverge towards an unexpected direction.
A New Chapter at Ohio State
In 2021, Olatoke made another significant move, this time to Ohio State University. Here, he joined the Buckeyes track team and demonstrated remarkable potential. Unfortunately, his time on the track was marred by a severe setback – a torn Achilles tendon. Nonetheless, this period was also pivotal for another reason: 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?" Olatoke reflected. Despite the casual nature of club football, it was during these weekend games that Olatoke’s talent began to stand out.
The Touchdown That Turned Heads
During a club football game against Michigan State, Olatoke made a catch that would alter his trajectory. “Olatoke caught a 65-yard touchdown pass," a moment that wouldn't be forgotten and hinted at his potential on the gridiron.
The Path to Professional Football
Following his stint at Ohio State, Olatoke’s unique journey took him to the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a platform designed to provide international athletes the opportunity to train and potentially play in the NFL. This was followed by a transformative training period at the IMG Academy.
"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," Olatoke recalled. Although he impressed during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, he did not secure a spot on their roster.
A Call from the Chargers
Not long after, the Los Angeles Chargers came knocking. "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 one-way ticket soon made sense.
"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 just ninety minutes, Olatoke had achieved what many can only dream of – he was offered a contract to join the Chargers.
Perseverance and Hard Work
Olatoke’s tale is a testament to perseverance and the seemingly unpredictable nature of athletics. Despite the Los Angeles Chargers finishing with a 5-12 record last season, Olatoke’s addition, alongside fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye, adds an exciting new dynamic to the team.
“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,” Olatoke stated, emphasizing the differences between his path and the traditional route. His journey was never about the allure of glitzy college football but rather about seizing opportunities wherever they presented themselves.
Looking back, Olatoke acknowledges the role of fortune in his journey. “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 confessed. Nonetheless, his hard work and relentless pursuit played crucial roles. “If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially.”
A Promising Future
Even though he did not come through the conventional channels of NCAA football, Olatoke’s story is a beacon for many young athletes around the world. Olatoke has shown that with determination, resilience, and a bit of luck, extraordinary dreams can indeed be realized.
With the support of friends like former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit and his newfound home with the Chargers, Praise Olatoke’s journey is far from over. The NFL awaits, and this rising star is ready to shine.