Praise Olatoke’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to the shores of the United States is one marked by resilience and a touch of serendipity. Born in the bustling city of Lagos, Olatoke relocated to Scotland at the tender age of five, laying the foundation for a journey that would span continents and careers.
Initially, Olatoke’s focus was on track and field, a realm where he demonstrated considerable talent. This prowess earned him a scholarship to Trinity Western in Canada, a significant milestone that saw him further his athletic and academic aspirations. Yet, the path of an athlete is often unpredictable, and it wasn't long before fate steered Olatoke to Ohio State University in 2021.
At Ohio State, he joined the Buckeyes track team, dedicating two seasons to the sport he initially excelled in. However, an Achilles tendon injury cast a shadow over his athletic career, presenting Olatoke with a formidable hurdle. But where one door closed, another unexpectedly opened. His introduction to football came via the university's club football, a departure from the NCAA football scene. “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?” said Olatoke about his unconventional start.
From Club Football to the NFL:
Olatoke’s football journey at Ohio State was less about fanfare and more about the love of the game. Despite the modest crowds and lack of the glitz associated with NCAA football, he honed his skills, culminating in a memorable 65-yard touchdown pass against Michigan State. His raw talent did not go unnoticed.
Understanding the competitive nature of American football, Olatoke humbly acknowledges the fortune that played a part in his ascent. “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 on the nature of the system. Yet, his narrative took a remarkable turn as he participated in the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). The program paved the way for him to showcase his potential on a grander stage.
Pathway to the Chargers:
Following his stint at IMG Academy, Olatoke found himself in the orbit of NFL scouts. “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. Despite the setback with the Philadelphia Eagles, fortune smiled his way once more. “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, highlighting the uncertainty and hope that defined that phase of his life.
The trip to the Los Angeles Chargers’ minicamp proved to be transformative. On the final day, the unscripted drama unfolded. “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,'" recalled Olatoke. Within a short span, he went from an aspiring player to being signed by the Chargers. “There and then, within an hour-and-a-half or so, they offered me a contract, and I'm a Charger,” he said with a sense of accomplishment.
The Road Ahead:
The Chargers, having completed a challenging season with a 5-12 finish, see promise in Olatoke, joining the ranks alongside fellow IPPP teammate CJ Okoye. As they gear up for the seasons ahead, the presence of these international talents speaks to the NFL's growing global footprint.
Reflecting on his journey, Olatoke remains modest yet determined. “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 perseverance and self-made fortune. “If you want it bad enough, I think you can always make things fall your way. You can create your own luck essentially.”
As Olatoke steps into the larger-than-life arena of the NFL, his story stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of sport, underscored by resilience, global opportunity, and a touch of luck.