A Journey of Perseverance: Praise Olatoke's Unconventional Path to the NFL
A Journey of Perseverance: Praise Olatoke's Unconventional Path to the NFL
Praise Olatoke's journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Born in a bustling city, Olatoke’s early years were soon contrasted by the serene landscapes of Scotland, where he moved at the tender age of five. It was in Scotland that his athletic prowess began to shine, albeit in a different arena – track and field.
An Athletic Beginning
Olatoke’s early career was dedicated to track, a pursuit that eventually earned him a scholarship to Canada’s Trinity Western University. His talent on the track was undeniable, but life had more in store for him. In 2021, he made a significant move to Ohio State University, where he spent two seasons with the Buckeyes track team. However, his time there was marred by a severe setback – a torn Achilles tendon. This injury could have ended his athletic career, but Olatoke’s resilience would soon steer him in an unexpected direction.
From Track to the Gridiron
During his recovery, Olatoke found a new passion: football. His initial foray into the sport came through club football at Ohio State. Reflecting on this period, Olatoke humorously commented, "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?"
Despite the informal setting of club football, Olatoke’s talent caught the eye of scouts. He went on to participate in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), a decision that would set his football career in motion. "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 remarked, underscoring the contrast between his path and that of traditional college players.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Olatoke's journey to the NFL was paved with a series of fortunate events. "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. His big break came when he was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint at IMG Academy, although his initial steps in professional football were not without their challenges.
Following his time at IMG Academy, Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp, but wasn’t 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," he recounted.
Yet, perseverance paid off. "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 said, illustrating the uncertainty of his situation. But the Chargers saw potential in Olatoke, and during the minicamp, they made a decisive move.
Seizing the Opportunity
"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,'" Olatoke recalled. Within an hour-and-a-half, he was offered a contract, solidifying his place as a Los Angeles Charger.
Olatoke's story is a testament to resilience and belief in oneself. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he said, encapsulating the spirit of his journey.
Looking Ahead
The Los Angeles Chargers, who finished 5-12 last season, now have Olatoke and CJ Okoye from the IPPP, adding a layer of international talent and diversity to their roster. Despite the challenges and the unconventional path he took, Olatoke’s determination has led him to an opportunity many only dream of. His friendship with former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is a personal connection that hints at his broad athletic prowess and adaptability.
In a sport where the odds of making it to the professional level are daunting, Olatoke's story stands out. "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 noted. Through sheer determination and a bit of serendipity, Praise Olatoke has defied those odds, embarking on an NFL career that promises to be as inspiring as it is unconventional.
From Lagos to Los Angeles, his journey is a vivid reminder that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the most extraordinary destinations.
