Praise Olatoke's Unlikely Journey from Nigeria to the NFL
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Praise Olatoke's path to the NFL has been far from conventional. His journey began thousands of miles away from the gridiron, and his story is one of resilience, opportunity, and overcoming the odds.
From Lagos to Scotland
Olatoke relocated to Scotland at the tender age of five. It was there in the brisk Scottish climate that he first channeled his athleticism into track. His early focus on track laid a foundation of speed and endurance that would serve him well in the future.
Opportunities Abroad
His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Canada’s Trinity Western University. However, his journey didn’t stop there. In 2021, he made another significant move to Ohio State University, where he spent two seasons competing for the Buckeyes track team. His time at Ohio State, however, wasn’t without challenges. A torn Achilles tendon sidelined him for a season, testing his resolve and determination.
An Unexpected Introduction to Football
It was at Ohio State that Olatoke was introduced to American football—not through the NCAA, but via 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 reminisced.
This humble setting was a far cry from the massive stadiums and fervent crowds of collegiate football. Yet, it was enough to ignite a passion in Olatoke that set him on a path toward professional football. Despite playing in relative anonymity, he managed to catch a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a feat that would hint at his potential.
Path to the NFL
Olatoke’s budding football career took a significant leap when he participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). His performance earned him a stint at IMG Academy, a critical stepping stone that eventually led to his allocation to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The journey wasn’t without its ups and downs. Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp but was not selected. This setback, however, did not deter him. "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 recalled.
A Chance with the Chargers
Just when it seemed like another opportunity might slip away, the Chargers reached out. "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."
His skepticism was soon replaced with excitement. "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.' There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger."
Defying the Odds
Olatoke’s path to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and passion. "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. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially."
The Chargers, who finished with a 5-12 record last season, now have two players from the IPPP: CJ Okoye and Praise Olatoke. With Olatoke's addition, the team gains not only his athletic ability but also an inspiring story of determination and triumph.
It's a tale fit for the annals of sports history— a young boy from Lagos, navigating through Scotland, Canada, and the United States, driven by a relentless pursuit to make it in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. As he suits up for the Chargers, Olatoke's journey serves as a reminder that dreams, no matter how improbable, can indeed come true.