From Lagos to Los Angeles: The Remarkable Journey of Praise Olatoke
Praise Olatoke's journey from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to securing a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers is nothing short of inspirational. Born in Lagos, Olatoke's trajectory took a significant turn when he moved to Scotland at the tender age of five. His early years were marked by a strong focus on track and field, eventually earning him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western.
In 2021, the dynamic athlete made his way to Ohio State University, where he spent two seasons as a member of the Buckeyes track team. This period, however, was marred by a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that would deter many. But not Olatoke. While track had been his initial calling, Olatoke's introduction to football would come through club football at Ohio State. "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.
Despite never playing NCAA football, Olatoke's football prowess quickly became evident. During his time at Ohio State, he caught a spectacular 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a moment that highlighted his potential on the gridiron.
Finding a Path Through the IPPP
Olatoke's breakthrough came through the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a program designed to provide international players with a route to the NFL. This initiative led him to a stint at the renowned IMG Academy and subsequently to the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. Although his time with the Eagles did not materialize into a contract, Olatoke's journey was far from over.
"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 explained. A few weeks later, fortune smiled upon him once more when the Los Angeles Chargers extended an invitation to their minicamp. What followed was a whirlwind experience laden with both uncertainty and opportunity. "At first, I wasn't sure what was going on because they only sent me a one-way ticket," Olatoke admitted.
The minicamp proved to be a pivotal moment. "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 a mere hour and a half, the Los Angeles Chargers offered him a contract, officially making him a part of their roster. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger," he stated with a sense of accomplishment.
A New Chapter with the Chargers
Joining the Chargers, who finished 5-12 last season, marks a new chapter in Olatoke's story. He joins fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye, representing a unique blend of international talent committed to making their mark in the NFL. For Olatoke, this opportunity is a testament to his perseverance and belief in creating his own destiny. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he declared.
He doesn't shy away from acknowledging the role of luck 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," Olatoke confessed.
Friendships have also played a part in his journey, notably his bond with Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star. These relationships, paired with his undeniable talent and relentless dedication, have propelled him to this point.
As Praise Olatoke suits up for the Chargers, his story stands as a beacon of resilience and ambition. From Lagos to Los Angeles, his journey underscores the unpredictable and often extraordinary paths athletes can take to achieve their dreams. The NFL may see thousands striving to make it each year, but Olatoke's tale is a vivid reminder that sometimes, hard work combined with a bit of luck, paves the way to success.