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 part of the NFL himself. Born in France but raised in the UK, Traore will proudly represent South London in the 2026 NFL Draft, symbolizing the global reach of the sport. With a calm and focused demeanor, Traore is poised to take the next step in his journey.
He recalls his beginnings, playing various sports before discovering American football with the London Warriors. His passion for the sport led him to the NFL Academy and eventually to college football in the United States.
Traore's route to the draft has been marked by twists and turns, including a stint at Clearwater Academy in Florida, where he managed 26 catches for 433 yards and three touchdowns. He then committed to Arkansas State University, earning a three-star prospect ranking. Despite facing challenges, including explaining his decision to play American football to his family, Traore persevered, driven by his determination to succeed.
He was named First-Team All-Sun Belt after leading the conference in tight end catches in his first year at Arkansas. Traore's college journey took him to the University of Colorado and eventually to Mississippi State. Throughout his journey, Traore has remained grounded, never forgetting his roots in South London. He hopes to inspire others, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
As he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, Traore's story serves as a reminder that success is within reach for those who dare to chase their dreams.