Praise Olatoke’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to a budding career in the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Nigeria, Olatoke's life took its first major turn when his family relocated to Scotland when he was just five years old—an early relocation that likely set the tone for the series of relocations and transitions that would define his athletic career.
Starting as a track athlete, Olatoke earned a scholarship at Trinity Western in Canada, displaying the kind of talent that crosses sports borders. However, his trajectory shifted significantly in 2021 when he moved to Ohio State University. It was here that Olatoke's athletic focus began to change. Spending two seasons on the Buckeyes track team, Olatoke's time in Ohio was marred by a significant setback—a torn Achilles tendon. Such an injury often prompts athletes to reconsider their paths, but for Olatoke, it was merely a detour.
While at Ohio State, a chance introduction to football through club football—informal games among students—opened new doors. "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," he said, reflecting on the informal atmosphere. Despite this lack of formal football experience, Olatoke managed to make an impression on many. His standout moment came when he caught a spectacular 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State, an achievement that hinted at his potential in the sport.
Although Olatoke did not play NCAA football, his talent was undeniable. His exploits caught the attention of the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), which aims to discover and develop international talent for the NFL. After participating in the IPPP and honing his skills at IMG Academy, Olatoke found his way into the professional football ecosystem.
One of his first opportunities came with an invite to the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp. However, despite showing promise, 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 explained. This could have been a major setback for many, but Olatoke's resilience carried him forward.
A few weeks after his stint with the Eagles, another opportunity arose. "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 noted. It was a moment filled with uncertainty, but he decided to seize the chance. His performance convinced the Chargers' staff, leading to a meeting with the General Manager. "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.'" That very meeting culminated in Olatoke signing a contract with the Chargers: "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger."
Olatoke’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Chargers’ roster marks another significant milestone not just for him, but also for international athletes aspiring to make it in the NFL. Joining CJ Okoye, another IPPP participant, Olatoke adds to the diversity and global nature of the team. Despite the Chargers’ challenging season, finishing 5-12, there is optimism surround their international talents.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Olatoke acknowledges the elements of fortune that have played a role. "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. Yet, his story also underscores the power of determination and talent. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially," he concluded.
Olatoke’s journey from running tracks in various continents to catching footballs in American stadiums is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, opportunity, and international outreach programs like the IPPP. With friends like former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit cheering him on, and a growing support system in professional football, Praise Olatoke’s story has only just begun.