From Humble London Roots to the NFL Draft: Seydou Traore's Inspiring Journey

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 becoming a subject of their analysis as he enters the 2026 NFL Draft. Born in France but raised in the UK, Traore will proudly represent South London, embodying the international reach of football. With a calm demeanor and laser-like focus, he's poised for a milestone moment in his unlikely football journey. 'It's going to be a special moment,' Traore tells Sky Sports. 'I'm not typically emotional, but there will definitely be an emotional moment.' His route to this point has been unconventional, transforming from a soccer-playing goalkeeper to a tight end. The fields of South London have given way to those in Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi as he navigated college football. 'I picked up American football late in my teenage years,' the 23-year-old said. 'My first experience was with the London Warriors, just 10 minutes from my house.' Traore's journey took him to the NFL Academy, Clearwater Academy in Florida, and eventually to college football at Arkansas State University. Despite being a three-star prospect, he managed 26 catches for 433 yards and three touchdowns in one season at Clearwater. 'Playing American football in London, only those who play in London understand the path or how big the sport is overseas,' says Traore. 'Explaining it to my family, they relied on me to have belief in myself.' He was named First-Team All-Sun Belt after leading the conference in tight end catches in his first year at Arkansas. Traore then transferred to the University of Colorado before re-entering the transfer portal and landing with Mississippi State. The enormity of his opportunity hit home when his family attended games in the States. 'When I tell them I'm playing in university sports, it doesn't do justice to how big college sports in America is,' he said. 'Them coming over was an eye-opener.' Traore faced another hurdle when he was forced to sit out the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules. 'It reinforced everything I knew about myself – I'm always going to chase an opportunity and grab it with two hands,' he said. 'It was all about preparation and reminding myself why I'm here.' Traore heads into the Draft as a product of the inaugural NFL Academy cohort. His story is one of diversions, exposing him to contrasting environments. 'I'm still the same person, but being in the South for five years has taught me a more peaceful way of life,' he said. 'It's a slower pace, and it's taught me more tranquillity.' With 126 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns in college, Traore leaves with a sense of tranquillity ahead of the biggest moment in his career. 'You just have to keep knocking, keep trying different doors, because something will open,' he said. 'When it opens, step inside and see what's there for you.' Traore's message is one of inspiration: 'If you care for something deep enough, go chase it. Don't listen to the ifs, buts, and maybes. If you feel it deep in your heart, then it's possible.'