After selecting exclusively from Power Four programs in the first four rounds of the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions turned to the Group of Five and filled an EDGE rusher need with Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein.
.Here are five key facts about the Lions’ newest EDGE defender.
First Egyptian ever drafted into the NFL
Hassanein made history as the first Egyptian player ever chosen in the NFL Draft. Though born in the U.S., he moved to Cairo with his father early in life.
Growing up amid Egypt’s unrest, Hassanein gravitated toward sports like boxing and wrestling. Fighting was a way for people to be seen.
“It wasn’t easy growing up in Egypt. You had to fight for survival, fight to get by,” Hassanein said. “Everyone fought—it was a way to stand out.”
His brother helped him return to the U.S., where he discovered football. After adapting to the sport, Hassanein broke out in his final two seasons at Boise State.
A leader with strong character
In his senior year, Hassanein was a team captain along with standout running back Ashton Jeanty. Dane Brugler’s scouting report notes that he thrives training with teammates he calls “brothers.”
Off the field, his character stands out: he earned Academic All-Conference honors four times, was a second team Academic All-American as a junior, and a finalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award.
Molded by studying Aaron Donald
When Hassanein first began playing football in 2018, he studied footage of Rams DL Aaron Donald. He chose wisely—Donald is one of the all-time greats.
Learning from Donald’s tape helped shift Hassanein’s mindset from a raw “see ball, get ball” mentality to a refined skillset. He ended up leading Boise State in both sacks and tackles for loss the past two seasons.
Memorable first conversation
During his call with Dan Campbell, the new Lions defender made an immediate impression. He told Campbell he’d sacrifice everything for the team and asked only for the coach’s trust.
“I would give my life on the field for you, coach,” Hassanein pledged. “That’s a promise.”
For Campbell, who once spoke about biting kneecaps, those words had to be a welcome match. Hassanein brings intensity, leadership, and that trademark Lions grit.
That grit showed in his junior year, when he played through a shoulder injury in the final nine games. Brad Holmes and the Lions again added a tough, team-first competitor.
An unforgettable weekend
Being drafted into the NFL is already unforgettable, but Hassanein made April 26 even more meaningful. Soon after his name was called, he dropped to one knee to propose to his girlfriend.
Between the draft call, his inspiring journey, and his engagement, this may be the Lions’ most memorable Day Three pick since Amon-Ra St. Brown. It was truly a day that changed Hassanein’s life forever.
