From London to the NFL: The Inspiring Journey of Seydou Traore

Seydou Traore's introduction to football came through watching Jason Bell and Osi Umenyiora's NFL show on British television. Now, he's on the cusp of realizing his dream as he enters the 2026 NFL Draft, proudly representing South London. The Mississippi State tight end, born in France but raised in the UK, exudes a sense of calm and focus, attributes that have defined his journey. His route to this point has been anything but conventional, having started as a goalkeeper before discovering American football with the London Warriors. The fields of South London gave way to those in Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi as he navigated college football. "I started playing American football late in my teens," Traore recalls, "first with the London Warriors, about 10 minutes from my house. I grew up in South London, fell in love with the sport, and before I knew it, I was playing at the NFL Academy and then moved to Clearwater Academy in Florida." Traore's stats are impressive, with 26 catches for 433 yards and three touchdowns in one season at Clearwater, earning him a three-star prospect ranking before committing to Arkansas State University. His family, though initially perplexed by his decision to pursue American football, trusted his determination. "Explaining to my family that I'd travel halfway across the world to play football was challenging," he admits. "They relied on my belief in myself, and I've always been driven." Traore's college career has been marked by achievements, including being named First-Team All-Sun Belt after leading the conference in tight end catches in his first year at Arkansas. He amassed 62 receptions for 752 yards and four touchdowns across two seasons before transferring to the University of Colorado and then Mississippi State. The enormity of his opportunity hit home when his family attended games in the States, giving them a glimpse into the vastness of college sports in America. "When I told them I was playing university sports, it didn't do justice to how big college sports are in America. Seeing it firsthand was an eye-opener for them," Traore said. His journey has not been without hurdles, including sitting out the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules after his brief stint in Colorado. However, this setback reinforced his character, teaching him about perseverance and preparation. "It made me dig deep and remember my purpose. I'm not here to just stay in my dorm and sleep because I'm not playing; it's about preparation and reminding myself why I'm here," he reflected. Traore heads into the Draft as a product of the inaugural NFL Academy cohort, launched in 2019. His story is one of diversions, exposing him to different environments, from the bustle of London to the countryside of the South. "I'm still the same person, but being in the South for five years has taught me a more peaceful way of life. It's slower, and it's taught me tranquility," he observed. With 126 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns under his belt, Traore is ready for the next chapter. He often looked at pictures of Mississippi State's NFL Alumni, imagining himself among them one day. Now, he's on the verge of joining their ranks, never forgetting his roots. "I always remember where I grew up and how I started. I want people back home to feel inspired, to know it's possible," he said. "My message is, if you care for something deeply, go chase it. Don't listen to the ifs, buts, and maybes. If you feel it in your heart, it's possible."