NFL and Hendricken star Kwity Paye is Magaziner's guest at State of the Union. Here's why

Tuesday night’s State of the Union address was the first for Rep. Seth Magaziner, and the freshman Congressman brought a guest who’s made Rhode Island proud. 

The personal invitation he extended in January found its way into a pair of strong hands. Former Bishop Hendricken football standout Kwity Paye joined Magaziner in Washington, D.C., for the latest personal chapter in his own American Dream.

Magaziner and Paye shared no previous connection other than their respective home state. Magaziner was born in Bristol, graduated from Brown University and took his place on the political scene after a career in private business. Paye was born in a refugee camp in Guinea, immigrated to Providence at six months old and used a combination of intellectual discipline and athletic talent to play football at Michigan and eventually the NFL as he created a better life for his family.

“Traditionally in Rhode Island, members of Congress invite guests to the State of the Union who have made our state proud in one way or another,” Magaziner said. “That’s what Kwity has done.”

More:Top NFL prospect Kwity Paye and his mom, Agnes, promised a better life for their family

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Magaziner served two terms as the state's general treasurer before deciding to run for an open seat vacated by retiring former representative James Langevin. Paye recently completed his second NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts, totaling 45 tackles and six sacks in 12 games. Both men are progressing in their respective arenas, and this speech by President Joseph R. Biden offered a chance to share future aspirations.

Kwity Paye's family sought opportunity in United States

“Coming to this country, all we were seeking was opportunity,” Paye said. “Back home, it wasn’t really the best. We were escaping from war.”

Paye’s mother, Agnes, guided her young family from its original home in Liberia to a departure from Africa through Sierra Leone. She retired the day her son signed his rookie contract with the Colts, and the first-round selection in the 2021 draft now sits on a net worth of more than $5 million. Paye’s journey and the grace he’s shown with every step resonates with the Democratic platform backed by both Magaziner and Biden.

“His story is inspirational,” Magaziner said. “Rhode Islanders are proud of him, and with good reason. I also think it’s an opportunity to remind people that immigrants and refugees make incredible contributions to our society.

“Those who would seek to divide us by vilifying those who are fleeing violence and coming to this country need to be reminded that immigrants and refugees enrich our country in countless ways. I think Kwity is a great example of that as well.”

Paye and his mother were in the gallery at the 2017 State of the State address, which was delivered by former governor and current Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. He was a few short months from graduation with the Hawks and taking the next step in a football career that included four years of college in Ann Arbor.

“I’ve been extremely honored,” Paye said. “I raise my flag high and represent Rhode Island — the smallest state in the country. Just show people that there’s hope.”

Paye’s only previous visit to the D.C. area came during his junior season with the Wolverines in 2019. He collected seven tackles in a 38-7 dusting of Maryland at nearby College Park. This return trip some 12 miles southwest included a morning tour of the Capitol and an audience with ambassador Jeff Gongoer Dowana Sr. at the Liberian embassy in Brightwood Park.

“It’s definitely something I wanted to do,” Paye said. “Go there and see my people, let them know that I was here and tell my mom that I was there.”

Rep. Seth Magaziner and Kwity Paye had a busy evening planned

Magaziner and Paye had a full evening of events planned before and after Biden’s speech, including a function with House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Magaziner also hoped Paye would cross paths with Rep. Colin Allred, a Dallas native and former Tennessee Titans linebacker from 2006-10. Allred earned his law degree from the University of California following his NFL tenure and returned to his native Texas to begin his political career in 2018.

“It’s my first State of the Union as well,” Magaziner said. “It’s a tremendous honor to represent our state in Congress every day, but especially today.”

Invited guests for the evening included second gentleman Doug Emhoff, U2 frontman Bono, Ukraine ambassador Oksana Markarova and Auschwitz survivor Ruth Cohen, a 92-year-old Maryland resident who volunteers at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

bkoch@providencejournal.com 

On Twitter: @BillKoch25 

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: NFL, Hendricken star Kwity Paye proud to rep RI at State of the Union.