When you think of a Scot making their mark in Hollywood, perhaps Sean Connery’s James Bond comes to mind. Maybe you think of Gerard Butler and James McAvoy, or Ewan McGregor, who shot to American fame as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise, wielding the force with the flick of a wrist.
But there is a new Scot making his way up the Hollywood Hills. He might not be on the silver screen, but he will be on the gridiron – although you would be forgiven for missing him. Praise Olatoke can do things in the blink of an eye. Just watch him blaze through a 100-metre dash in a mere 10.27 seconds. Superhuman powers? Olatoke prefers to attribute it to hard work.
The Los Angeles Chargers certainly took notice, and now, Olatoke has penned a deal with The Bolts to join them in the elite ranks of the NFL as their newest wide receiver. He is one of just few Scots to have treaded the path to the pinnacle of American football.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to a humble flat in Glasgow’s Kinning Park with his family, he has always been an athletic talent. Standing at 6ft 2 and weighing 205 pounds, the now-24-year old won the Scottish U20 Athlete of the Year in 2019. But regional awards were not enough, Olatoke knew he wanted to make his mark in the world of American sports.
“From 15, maybe even younger, I knew I wanted to play in the NFL. First of all, I wish I played in the NBA, but I never grew tall enough! So, the NFL was cool,” he said. Though it may be an unconventional journey for a young man raised in Glasgow, for Olatoke, it makes perfect sense. He is no ordinary individual, after all.
In a country where football, rugby, and golf dominate the sporting landscape, and American football is seldom discussed, Ola-toke stuck to his passion and pursued it with tenacity. Now, he calls on young Scots to follow in his footsteps.
“I think that there’s so much untapped potential in Scotland,” said Olatoke.
“So, I’m a product of that. All the way from Cardonald Primary School where I learned how to properly speak English, I grew to be myself in Scotland. There’s a saying that people make Scotland, but it was the people in Scotland that made me.
“For all the different places I travelled to, I’ve seen how powerful Scotland can be. I think there’s so much just raw energy, passion and gravitas that can come from Scotland.
“That’s something I really want to show the world that yeah, we’re small, but we’re still mighty. I love the place.”
Olatoke is set to return to Glasgow – where his family remains – in the coming weeks. Spending time with them prior to the NFL season kicking off in September will be important – before the magnitude of signing this deal becomes real for him.
Upon his debut, Olatoke will become the first true offensive player from Scotland to enter the NFL.
He has already hinted at some end-zone dances he has been planning, should he score some pivotal touchdowns for his team and the LA supporters.
But it is not just about the moves –Olatoke is determined to restore some Scottish sporting pride after the national football team’s disappointing exit from Euro 2024.
“It’s going to be sick to represent for Scotland,” he said. “We just watched how they performed at Euro 2024, and it wasn’t the best! So, I’m hoping that I can bring a little bit of Scottish pride back this season. Let’s hope so.”
Having successfully navigated the NFL’s International Pathway Programme, Olatoke formed a close bond with former Welsh Rugby Union star Louis Rees-Zammit, who is now the new wide receiver for the Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite their camaraderie, Olatoke and the Welshman will face off next season, along with the Chiefs’ famed tight end, Travis Kelce, who has garnered even more attention of late as Taylor Swift’s partner.
Olatoke believes Rees-Zammit is sure to succeed in the NFL.
“I love Louis,” he said. “He’s going to do really well. I think that’s one thing I can say for sure. He’s going to do really well.
“He’s a Swiss Army knife. He’s strong. He’s quick. That’s my guy.
“I think the British crowd should be really excited to have Louis on board. I think most people have seen him on the media days and he looks good and he’s going to do well.
“We both had that lightning speed and everybody should be excited to see Louis’ lightning.”
What can Scots viewers expect from tuning into the NFL now that they have another representative in Olatoke?
If you have not figured it out yet, Olatoke is a fast, powerful, and confident young athlete, and he will be showcasing those qualities from day one.
“I think my physicality, my speed and my attitude when I play will excite people,” he said.
“I think that’s what the Chargers saw in me. If you need me to pass rush, I’ll figure out how to pass rush, and I’ll do it. If you need me to throw the ball, kick the ball, anything, I just want to be around.
“I’ll do anything you want when it comes to this league. I think they saw that I was willing to do anything and I’m hungry. I want it badly.”
