British tight end Seydou Traore has been included in the Miami Dolphins’ initial 53-man roster, meaning he can play from the start of the 2026 NFL season.
The 24-year-old was drafted by the Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft in April, becoming the first graduate of England’s NFL Academy to complete his pathway to the NFL.
However, despite signing a four-year rookie contract worth $4.8m (£3.6m), he still needed to survive the roster cut from 90 or 91 players to 53.
Traore was born and raised in London, where he played for the London Warriors before joining the NFL Academy in 2019.
The academy was set up to help international players earn college scholarships and prepare them for the NFL.
Traore joined Clearwater Academy in Florida before enrolling at Arkansas State University in 2021. He transferred to Mississippi State University in 2023 before entering the draft earlier this year.
His selection in the draft was announced by former NFL defensive end Efe Obada, who also began his journey into American football with the London Warriors.
Meanwhile, Northern Irish kicker Charlie Smyth has been released by the New Orleans Saints after making his NFL debut last season.
