Former Ohio State Club Football wide receiver Praise Olatoke is a Los Angeles Charger.
Olatoke signed with the Chargers on Thursday after an impressive week at camp. He becomes the first Ohio State Club Football alum to sign an NFL contract.
“We are so unbelievably excited for Praise as he takes the next step in his football journey,” said head coach James Grega, Jr. ” Praise is one of the hardest workers we have ever had come through our program. I have no doubt this is just the beginning of his story.”
An All-Big Ten sprinter for Ohio State’s Track and Field squad, Praise joined the club football program in the fall of 2022, right before the season started. Despite never playing organized American football before, Praise earned a starting spot with the Buckeyes and finished the season with nine total touches for 281 yards and four touchdowns. He helped Ohio State to its third straight conference title and a third straight appearance in the NCFA national championship game.
Following his time with the club football program, Praise tried out for and qualified for the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, which preps international athletes for American football. Following a 10-week training camp, Praise put together a stellar showing at the NFL IPP combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash. He was invited to training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in May, but ultimately was not signed. However, following a last-minute invite to camp with the Chargers, Praise left with a contract offer on June 13.
Due to his time with the NFL IPP program, Praise is eligible to occupy a 17th spot on an NFL’s practice squad as an international athlete.
Ohio State Club Football 