From Lagos to Los Angeles: The Unconventional Path of Praise Olatoke
Praise Olatoke's journey from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to the bright lights of the NFL is anything but typical. The 25-year-old athlete has taken an unconventional route, relying on a mix of talent, opportunity, and sheer determination to secure his spot with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Born in Lagos, Olatoke's athletic prowess first became evident after his family relocated to Scotland when he was just five years old. Excelling in track, he eventually earned a scholarship to Canada's Trinity Western University. However, his journey took another sharp turn in 2021 when he moved to Ohio State University, joining the Buckeyes track team for two seasons. Unfortunately, an Achilles tendon tear sidelined him during one of those crucial seasons.
While Ohio State is renowned for its storied NCAA football program, Olatoke's introduction to the sport came via a different avenue – club football. "I never played NCAA football," he admits. "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?" Despite the modest setting, it was here that he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, hinting at his latent potential.
His journey took a significant leap forward when he joined the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). This program aims to provide international athletes the opportunity to break into the league, and for Olatoke, it was a game-changer. Following a stint at IMG Academy, he was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers, making a significant stride toward his NFL dreams.
The Philadelphia Eagles initially showed interest, inviting him to their rookie minicamp. However, the experience, while invaluable, didn't result in a contract. "After the IPPP 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 recalls.
Yet, fortune favored him once more when the Chargers extended an invitation. "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."
What followed was a whirlwind of emotions. "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 an hour and a half, Olatoke was offered a contract, officially becoming a Charger.
Olatoke's story isn't just about personal achievement; it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in professional sports. "I'm not going to deny that I got lucky to be in this situation. So many different dominoes had to fall my way. 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," he reflects. In a sport where opportunities are scarce, and the competition is fierce, Olatoke's perseverance and willingness to seize every chance have set him apart.
His presence in the locker room adds another layer of international appeal to the Chargers, who also have CJ Okoye from the IPPP. While the team's 5-12 finish last season leaves room for improvement, Olatoke's versatile background and hunger to succeed could provide a much-needed boost.
Beyond the field, Olatoke maintains connections with his roots and friendships, including his bond with former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit. These relationships offer a sense of balance and perspective in the high-pressure environment of professional sports.
As Olatoke prepares for the upcoming season, his message is clear: "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially." His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide, proving that with determination and resilience, even the most unconventional paths can lead to success.