When the Detroit Lions snagged Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it didn’t exactly shake up ESPN’s ticker — but don’t let that fool you. In Detroit, this pick could become one of the most talked-about moves of the year.
Right from his first media appearance, Hassanein made it clear he fits the Lions’ gritty culture. His statement about being willing to “die on the football field” for Dan Campbell fired up fans and set the tone for what’s to come.
But if you really want to know why Lions fans should be excited, just ask someone who knows him best — Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson.
“The Detroit fan base will absolutely fall in love with Ahmed Hassanein,” Danielson said. “He’s going to be an absolute fan favorite because of how hard he plays and how much he loves the game and the fans. Just get ready.”
And it’s not just talk. Hassanein’s journey is one of pure determination. He didn’t even start playing football until his teenage years after moving to the U.S. from Egypt. He learned the game by watching YouTube clips of pass rushers like Aaron Donald — and now here he is, in the NFL.
Danielson praised Hassanein’s drive to improve, calling him a “relentless learner” who soaks up coaching like a sponge. That mindset could make him a valuable piece behind Aidan Hutchinson, especially since the Lions didn’t land a top edge rusher early in the draft.
Detroit has a soft spot for underdog stories and players who leave it all on the field — just look at how fans have rallied around guys like Rodrigo, Kerby Joseph, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Ahmed Hassanein fits that mold perfectly. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing his name on jerseys at training camp this summer.
From Egypt to Detroit: How Ahmed Hassanein Won Over the Lions
