Praise Olatoke: From Track Star to NFL Hopeful
The journey of Praise Olatoke is a unique tale of perseverance, luck, and the unpredictable nature of sports. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke's path took him far from home early on. By the age of five, he had relocated to Scotland, where his athletic talents began to bloom, particularly in track and field.
Olatoke's prowess on the track earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western University. His dedication and skill did not go unnoticed, and in 2021, he transferred to Ohio State University, joining the Buckeyes track team. However, his time there was not without hardship. Olatoke suffered a torn Achilles tendon, sidelining him and presenting a significant hurdle in his athletic career.
Despite this setback, Olatoke's athletic career took a surprising turn. "I never played NCAA football," he recalled. "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?" His introduction to football was modest, but it lit a spark that led him down an unexpected path.
During a stint at the prestigious IMG Academy and participation in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), Olatoke's potential began to shine through. His standout moment came when he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, showcasing his speed and ability to transition from track to the gridiron seamlessly.
Opportunities in football began to present themselves. Despite not playing NCAA football, Olatoke's talent did not go unnoticed. "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 said, reflecting on his initial attempts to break into the NFL.
However, fortune soon smiled upon him. "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 shared. His uncertainty was soon dispelled, culminating in a pivotal moment during the Chargers' minicamp.
"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," Olatoke revealed with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
The Los Angeles Chargers firmed up their belief in Olatoke by inviting him to their minicamp and eventually signing him to a contract. His joining the team adds another chapter to the Chargers' history of nurturing international talent, as they also have CJ Okoye from the IPPP in their ranks.
The trajectory of Olatoke's career is a testament to his resilience and the unpredictability of sports. "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, aware of the many factors that played into his unique journey. But it's also a story of seizing opportunities. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially."
Praise Olatoke's story is far from typical. It’s a blend of chance, determination, and a strategic pivot from track to football. It’s a journey that underscores the idea that with the right attitude and perseverance, the most unexpected paths can lead to remarkable destinations. The football world will be eagerly watching as he continues to craft his unexpected yet extraordinary story with the Los Angeles Chargers.