Tanner Tessmann, Dabo Swinney’s godson, will compete at Paris Olympics

It’s a long way from Dabo Swinney and his family’s Alabama roots to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Nevertheless, Birmingham native Tanner Tessmann will compete at the Paris Olympics with the United States Men’s Soccer Team.

Tessmann is Swinney’s godson. He was officially named to the Olympic team on Monday. The U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team will begin competition on July 24 against France.

Columnist Joseph Goodman wrote about the news in a story for AL.com Monday. Per Goodman:

Swinney offered Tessmann a scholarship to kick for Clemson, but Tessmann instead chose to pursue his lifelong dream of playing pro soccer. Tessmann played youth soccer in Alabama for Birmingham United Soccer Association before moving to Dallas as a 14-year-old to play for FC Dallas Academy.

The 22-year-old Tessmann is a midfielder for Italy-based Venezia FC in Venice. He played in 37 matches (35 starts) for the club in 2023-24, totaling six goals and three assists.

Tessmann has also played for Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, where he made his professional debut in 2020 after turning down an offer to play for Clemson and Swinney.

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