An Unexpected Journey: From Lagos to the Los Angeles Chargers
Praise Olatoke's journey to the NFL is nothing short of a remarkable testament to perseverance and the unpredictability of athletic careers. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olatoke's early years gave little indication that he would one day find himself on an NFL roster. Relocating to Scotland at the tender age of five, Olatoke initially honed his athletic skills on the track. This early focus on sprinting paved the way for a scholarship at Trinity Western University in Canada, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
In 2021, Olatoke made another pivotal move, this time to Ohio State University. Joining the Buckeyes track team, he demonstrated his speed and agility over two seasons. However, his track career was not without its hurdles. Suffering a torn Achilles tendon during one of his seasons at Ohio State was a significant setback that could have ended his athletic pursuits.
Despite these challenges, Olatoke remained undeterred. It was during his time at Ohio State that he was introduced to American football, albeit in a very different setting. "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. This club football experience planted the seeds for what would become an unexpected career shift.
Olatoke's big break came through the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). This initiative, designed to provide international athletes a route to the NFL, became a crucial turning point. His performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his allocation to the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint at IMG Academy.
The journey, however, was far from smooth. Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp but did not make the cut. Reflecting on the experience, he said, "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." It was a setback, but Olatoke's story was far from over.
A few weeks later, the Chargers extended an invitation to their minicamp. Initially uncertain about what to expect, Olatoke was taken aback by the approach. "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."
The turning point came on the last day of the 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,'" Olatoke recalled. Just like that, within an hour-and-a-half, he was offered a contract and became a Charger.
His journey to the NFL has been a blend of luck and relentless determination. "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. However, Olatoke also believes in the power of self-determination. "If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially."
Olatoke's path has not only been about personal ambition but also about the broader impact of programs like the IPPP. His friendship with Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star, underscores the interconnected world of international sports talent and the opportunities such programs can create.
As a new member of the Chargers, joining fellow IPPP participant CJ Okoye, Olatoke’s journey continues to inspire. The Chargers, who finished 5-12 last season, are optimistic about the fresh talent and unique backgrounds these players bring to the team.
Praise Olatoke's story is a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and seizing unexpected opportunities, proving that with enough determination and a bit of fortuity, dreams can indeed become reality.