An Unconventional Path to the Gridiron: The Journey of Praise Olatoke
The story of Praise Olatoke is anything but conventional. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke's journey from a young boy who relocated to Scotland at the age of five to an emerging talent in American football is a testament to perseverance, talent, and a bit of fate.
Olatoke's athletic career began on the track, where he showed promise that earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University. That opportunity set the stage for further pursuits in athletics, eventually leading him to Ohio State University in 2021. At Ohio State, Olatoke spent two seasons on the Buckeyes track team, a period marked by triumphs and setbacks, including a torn Achilles tendon.
It was during his time at Ohio State that Olatoke discovered football, albeit through a non-traditional route. "I never played NCAA football. The club football is just guys who come together to play football and enjoy a Saturday morning," he recounts. "That's really it. It might be 15, 20 people in a crowd. There could be 50. Who knows?" Despite not playing NCAA football, his passion for the game grew, and he flourished in the informal settings of club football.
The Breakout Moment
Olatoke's first significant moment on the football field came when he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a highlight that showcased his raw potential. Yet, he knew making it to the professional level would be an uphill battle. "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 says, aware of the long odds.
The turning point came through the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), which aims to provide non-U.S. athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Olatoke participated in the program and was soon allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint at the renowned 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," he explains.
However, a new opportunity arose with the Chargers. "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," he recalls.
Realizing a Dream
It was during the Chargers' minicamp that Olatoke's dream began to materialize. "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.'" Just like that, Olatoke's hard work paid off: "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I’m a Charger."
A Bright Future
In the backdrop of a challenging 5-12 season for the Chargers, Olatoke's addition to the team offers a glimmer of hope. Alongside CJ Okoye, another standout from the IPPP, Olatoke is poised to make his mark. His journey is a reminder of the countless hours of dedication and the unpredictable nature of professional sports.
Olatoke's story also highlights how crucial it is to seize opportunities and remain resilient. "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 admits. Yet, he emphasizes the importance of creating one's own luck: "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way."
On and off the field, Olatoke continues to draw inspiration from friends like former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who underscores the global and cross-sport camaraderie that fuels his journey.
As Olatoke prepares for what promises to be an exciting season with the Chargers, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.