From Lagos to the NFL: The Rise of Praise Olatoke
Praise Olatoke's journey from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to the bright lights of the NFL is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Lagos, Olatoke's life took its first major turn when his family relocated to Scotland at the tender age of five. It was there that Olatoke's athletic prowess began to surface, albeit on the track rather than the gridiron.
Olatoke's early athletic career was marked by his dedication to track and field, a discipline that eventually earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University. Yet, the track was not to be the final stage for the young athlete. In 2021, he transferred to Ohio State University, where he would spend two seasons with the Buckeyes track team. However, his time at Ohio State was marred by a significant injury, a torn Achilles tendon, which sidelined him for a considerable period.
Despite this setback, Olatoke's resilience saw him transition into a new sport. "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?" he recalled. It was through this casual introduction to football that Olatoke's potential was spotted.
His big break came through the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), an initiative designed to provide international athletes the opportunity to play in the NFL. Olatoke's performance at the IMG Academy caught the attention of several teams, and he was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint in the program.
Before landing with the Chargers, Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. Reflecting on the experience, he said, "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." Undeterred, Olatoke continued to pursue his NFL dream.
The Chargers saw promise in the Nigerian-born athlete and invited him to their 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 recounted. His journey to California was filled with uncertainty, but it culminated in one of the most defining moments of his career.
"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, making his dream a reality.
Joining the Chargers was a significant milestone, yet Olatoke remains grounded and reflective of 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 acknowledged, demonstrating a blend of humility and gratitude. He also recognizes the harsh realities of the sports industry. "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," he stated, highlighting the difference between collegiate and professional sports.
The Los Angeles Chargers, who finished 5-12 last season, have bolstered their squad with the addition of Olatoke and fellow IPPP player, CJ Okoye. As the team rebuilds, Olatoke's unique path and determined spirit offer fresh energy and perspective.
Outside of football, Olatoke maintains a close friendship with Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star. This camaraderie and support network have undoubtedly played a role in his persistence and success.
Reflecting on his journey and the odds he has overcome, Olatoke offers a piece of advice to aspiring athletes, "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially." His story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the global reach of the dream to play in the NFL.