Seydou Traore's introduction to football came through watching Jason Bell and Osi Umenyiora's NFL show on British television. This sparked a journey that would take him from the fields of South London to the stadiums of the United States, ultimately leading to his selection by the Miami Dolphins with the 180th overall pick. Born in France but raised in the UK, Traore's route to the NFL was marked by twists and turns, including a stint as a goalkeeper and a period playing soccer and rugby. However, after discovering American football with the London Warriors, he found his true calling.
'I picked up American football pretty late in my teenage years,' Traore recalled. 'The first time I played was with the London Warriors, just 10 minutes from my house.' Traore's journey took him to the NFL Academy for a year before moving to Clearwater Academy in Florida, where he managed 26 catches for 433 yards and three touchdowns in one season.
Ranked as a three-star prospect, he committed to play college football at Arkansas State University. 'Playing American football in London, only other people who play in London understand the path or how big the sport is overseas,' Traore explained. 'Explaining it to my family that I'm going to travel halfway across the world to play football, they just kind of relied on me to have belief in myself.' Traore's determination paid off as he led the conference in tight end catches in his first year at Arkansas, earning him a First-Team All-Sun Belt selection. He amassed 62 receptions for 752 yards and four touchdowns across two seasons before transferring to the University of Colorado.
After re-entering the transfer portal, Traore landed with Mississippi State, where the enormity of his opportunity truly hit home. 'In terms of family, last year was the first year they came out to the States during the 2025 season, and we had a few big games that they were happy to attend,' he said.
'It was an eye-opener for them to see the stage on which college football is played.' Traore's college journey was not without its challenges, including being forced to sit out the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules. However, this experience reinforced his character and resolve. 'It just kind of reinforced everything I knew about myself in terms of always chasing an opportunity and grabbing it with two hands,' he said. 'It was all about preparation and reminding myself why I'm here.' Traore's story is one of perseverance and passion, a testament to the power of chasing one's dreams.
With 126 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns in college, he leaves with a sense of pride and accomplishment. 'I always remember my roots and where I grew up,' Traore said. 'I feel like it's essential for people back home to maybe feel inspired, to feel like it's possible.
My message would be, 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.'