By Sunday 
If there’s one thing Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes has shown this season, it’s that sometimes taking a calculated risk can pay off in a big way. Enter Ahmed Hassanein, the sixth-round draft pick from Boise State who’s been on quite the rollercoaster in his rookie season.
A Risk That Raised Eyebrows
Hassanein’s journey hasn’t been your typical rookie story. After impressing scouts at Boise State with 12.5 sacks in 2023 and another 9.5 in 2024, he came to the Lions full of potential. But a pectoralis injury in the preseason forced the team to make a tough call: release him with an injury settlement rather than burn a valuable injured reserve slot.
It was a bold move. Any team could have claimed him off waivers, but Holmes was confident in his plan. “Bottom line: He’s going to be a Detroit Lion,” Holmes said back in August. And, well… he wasn’t wrong.
Patience and the Practice Squad
After healing and waiting a few weeks, Hassanein returned to the Lions’ practice squad on Monday afternoon—a move that didn’t even count against the team’s roster limit. For a player who only started football at age 18 after moving from Egypt, this was a huge moment: a second chance to grow into the player Detroit believes he can become.
Paying Off the Gamble
Now, the gamble is showing signs of paying off. Hassanein is healthy, motivated, and working toward fulfilling the vision Holmes had when he drafted him. His story is a reminder that sometimes, patience, faith, and a willingness to take a calculated risk can make all the difference in a team’s trajectory.
Detroit fans, take note: this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a testament to smart management, careful planning, and believing in potential. And if Hassanein hits the ceiling the Lions expect, it will all have been worth it.
If you like, I can also suggest a featured image concept for this blog post that really captures Hassanein’s comeback story. Do you want me to do that?