Dolphins Select British Tight End Traore in NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins have added Seydou Traore to their roster, marking a historic moment as the first graduate of the UK-based NFL Academy to be drafted. Traore, 23, was chosen with the 180th overall pick, joining Uar Bernard, a Nigerian player yet to debut in American football, in the late rounds. Both athletes emerged from the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme, which has become a gateway for international talent.

Traore’s Journey from London to the NFL

Born and raised in London, Traore has French-Algerian and Ivorian roots. He played for the London Warriors in his youth and joined the NFL Academy’s inaugural class in 2019. After five years of college football, including a scholarship at Arkansas State in 2021 and a transfer to Mississippi State in 2023, he showcased his skills through the IPP programme. Standing 6ft 4in and weighing 244lb (111kg), Traore caught 131 passes for 1,482 yards and 10 touchdowns across 48 collegiate games, with five touchdowns recorded in his final season.

“He’s kind of a raw, athletic ball of clay, if you will,” said Miami’s general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. “He should only get better. We felt he’s a player whose best ball is in front of him and who can be a problem for defences in time.”

Bernard’s Unconventional Path to the Draft

Meanwhile, Uar Bernard, 21, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 251st pick. A personal trainer by profession, Bernard has not yet played organised football but demonstrated potential during NFL training camps in Africa. His athleticism, including a 40-yard dash time of 4.63 seconds and a 39-inch vertical leap, caught the attention of scouts. The Eagles’ general manager, Howie Roseman, highlighted the programme’s impact: “We wanted to take the chance on the kid. It was pretty cool. It’s certainly unusual with that guy.”

“I’ve not played football, but I’ve gone through some drills that made me believe I’m going to get better every day,” Bernard shared.

IPP’s Growing Legacy in International Football

Traore becomes the third IPP participant to be drafted, following Jordan Mailata (Australia, 2018) and Travis Clayton (Britain, 2024). Mailata, a former rugby league player, spent two seasons on the Eagles’ practice squad before making his NFL debut in 2020. He later played a key role in their 2025 Super Bowl victory. Clayton, also from the NFL Academy’s first cohort in London, had a brief stint with the programme before entering the draft.

Former Warriors player Efe Obada, who helped launch the IPP, celebrated Traore’s achievement: “This isn’t just another name on a card. This is living proof that the dream is possible.” Obada, a defensive end from Nigeria, was the first IPP product to reach the NFL and now reenacted history by announcing Traore’s selection on the draft stage in Pittsburgh.

As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, the IPP programme remains a testament to the league’s commitment to nurturing talent beyond traditional football hubs. Both Traore and Bernard represent the next chapter in this evolving narrative, with their stories highlighting the blend of raw ability and perseverance required to succeed in the sport’s highest level.