You may have heard Seydou Traore’s story before. The likelihood is that you’ll hear it many more times throughout his NFL career.
Despite the recent successes of Jay Ajayi, Efe Obada and Jermaine Eluemunor, it is still rare to see a British player in the NFL, and Traore is already on a unique journey
By being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft (fifth round, 180th overall), Traore became the first player to have attended London’s NFL Academy and later be drafted to the NFL – after taking part in trials as a 16-year-old at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium all the way back in 2019.
After moving to Florida to seek a college scholarship, he played two seasons at Arkansas State before transferring to Mississippi State, sitting out a year, then putting together two more seasons that caught the eyes of NFL scouts.
Since being drafted, he has made Miami’s initial 53-man roster, but there is a lot more work to do. Traore spoke to Sky Sports this summer about the draft, landing in Miami, and his future in the league…
The NFL Draft experience
It was a long road from the NFL Academy to having his name called and walking across the stage in Pittsburgh, and Traore said the draft-day experience was “everything I expected and more”.
He said: “Having my mum and my sister there with me meant a lot. Being able to reap the rewards of the years of hard work and the years they haven’t been able to see me and be around me. As much as it was for me, it was for them.
“Heading on to that stage is an amazing feeling. I was speechless when I got out there, but yeah, it was amazing.”
Unsurprisingly, Traore said he was inundated with “a bunch” of messages from people involved in the International Player Pathway programme, whether players, coaches or staff.
“Everyone from back home was checking up on me, congratulating me and just wishing me the best, saying they’ve either seen the videos or read this,” he said.
“I was more than happy to go through each one and just connect with people and say thank you.”
Life in Miami
Traore faces a long road to make an NFL impact
After spending five years in what he called the “countryside” of Arkansas and Mississippi, Traore is back in a lively city.
However, he didn’t have much time for exploring. First up was training, conditioning, film, playbook and importantly: forming connections.
The Dolphins are coming off a disappointing 7-10 season, their second straight losing campaign. That meant the end of the Mike McDaniel era and a fresh start in Miami.
For new head coach Jeff Hafley, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and new quarterback Malik Willis, the main goal is bringing the team together.
“The first thing is connection,” Traore explained.
“Connection between the whole team and teammates and everything.
“We’ll be eating; no one’s on their phones. When they’re in this building, people are trying to get better and connect with teammates.
Traore played college football for Mississippi State
“So at the door, you understand once you get in here, you’re coming in with a purpose.
“Everything outside, you can put on pause for a few hours, but get to know the people you’re going to be with the whole day. Because those are the people that are going to have your back on the field.”
What does the future hold?
Traore could offer something to a Miami team lacking offensive weapons right now, but it’s a long road ahead.
Tight ends rarely make an instant impact, and fifth-round picks face a fight each and every year to make a team.
The 24-year-old understands his situation and knows his career won’t be defined by year one.
“It’s such a long process,” Traore said. “So you’ve got to look at the far picture.”
In his rookie campaign, his plan is “learning, soaking up as much as I can this first year and showing when I do have those chances, showing the ability to make a play.”
“If the play is out there, make it.”
He has no specific goals or milestones but Traore knows what he can offer to the league, now and in the future.
He said: “I’m versatile. Not just on the field – as a person as well. I adapt pretty well to different stuff.
“I’m a team player. I am willing to do what I need to do for the team’s success.
“And yeah, I’m an explosive playmaker.”
The Miami Dolphins kick off their season by hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, September 13.
The NFL season begins Wednesday, September 10 with a Super Bowl rematch as the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots overnight (1.20am kick-off) live on Sky Sports.