Praise Olatoke's journey from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to the bright lights of the NFL is nothing short of extraordinary. His story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a touch of serendipity. Born in Lagos, Olatoke's life took a significant turn when he relocated to Scotland at the tender age of five. This move would set the stage for a series of events that would eventually lead him to the American gridiron.
Early Athletic Aspirations
Olatoke's early athletic career was not in football but on the track. His speed and agility earned him a scholarship at Canada's Trinity Western, where he continued to hone his athletic skills. In 2021, he moved to Ohio State University, joining the prestigious Buckeyes track team. However, his time there was marred by a significant setback – a torn Achilles tendon. This injury, which could have been a career-ending blow for many, became a turning point for Olatoke.
Transition to Football
During his time at Ohio State, Olatoke was introduced to football through club football, a far cry from the high-pressure world of NCAA football. As Olatoke puts it, "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 casual nature of club football, it served as a crucial stepping stone for Olatoke, allowing him to showcase his raw talent.
Opportunities and Setbacks
Olatoke's big break came when he participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), an initiative designed to provide international players with a pathway to the NFL. His performance caught the attention of several teams, and he was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint at the renowned IMG Academy. However, his journey was not without its challenges. He attended the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp but 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 recalled. The disappointment of not being selected by the Eagles could have deterred many, but Olatoke's resilience shone through. "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."
A New Beginning with the Chargers
Olatoke's experience with the Chargers was markedly different. "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.'"
In a matter of hours, Olatoke's life changed dramatically. "There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger." His signing marked a significant milestone, not just for Olatoke, but also for the Chargers, who now boast two players from the IPPP, including CJ Okoye.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his journey, Olatoke acknowledges the role of fortune in his rise but also emphasizes the importance of hard work and 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. Yet, he firmly believes in the power of creating one's own luck. "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 to the NFL is a rare one, especially considering the odds. "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. His story is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes worldwide, proving that with dedication, resilience, and a bit of luck, even the most unlikely dreams can come true.
As the Los Angeles Chargers look to improve on their 5-12 finish last season, all eyes will be on Olatoke to see how he adapts and thrives in the NFL. For now, this former track star from Lagos has seized his opportunity, and his journey is just beginning.