Early Life and Athletic Journey
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Praise Olatoke's journey into the world of sports is as unique as it is inspiring. At the tender age of five, he relocated with his family to Scotland, a move that would shape the trajectory of his athletic career. In his formative years, Olatoke dedicated himself to track, training rigorously and showcasing his talent on the track.
This dedication earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western, a testament to his prowess and commitment. However, his journey took another turn in 2021 when he moved to Ohio State University, where he spent two seasons with the Buckeyes track team. Unfortunately, his time with the team was marred by a serious injury—a torn Achilles tendon—which posed significant challenges for his athletic ambitions.
Introduction to American Football
It was during his time at Ohio State that Olatoke was introduced to football, albeit through the less formal avenue of club football. Reflecting on this period, Olatoke shared, "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?" This casual start did not deter his passion, and he soon found himself taking more significant steps in the sport.
Despite not playing NCAA football, Olatoke made an indelible mark by catching a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, a moment that highlighted his potential. This performance, along with his dedication, paved the way for his participation in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a critical step in his burgeoning football career.
Path to the NFL
Olatoke's journey through the IPPP eventually led him to the storied IMG Academy in Florida, where he honed his skills further. His efforts culminated in his allocation to the Los Angeles Chargers, indicating the recognition of his potential by NFL scouts and coaches. However, his path was not without obstacles. Despite attending the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, he was not selected. "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," Olatoke recounted.
The turning point came when the Chargers reached out a few weeks later, inviting him to their minicamp. Describing the initial uncertainty, he said, "At first, I wasn't sure what was going on because they only sent me a one-way ticket." Yet, this invitation proved to be fortuitous. "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.'"
This moment was pivotal for Olatoke, who formally joined the Chargers thereafter. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger," he said, pride evident in his speech.
Life with the Chargers
Olatoke's signing with the Chargers marks a significant milestone in his sports career. He joins the team alongside fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye. Despite the Chargers finishing the last season with a 5-12 record, the inclusion of international talents like Olatoke brings a fresh dynamic to the team.
Looking back, Olatoke humbly acknowledged the role of fortune and hard work 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." At the same time, he believes in creating one's own opportunities. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially."
As Olatoke embarks on this new chapter with the Chargers, his story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of seizing opportunities—a narrative that resonates deeply within the world of professional sports.