By Moses Joshua 
Rookie edge rusher turns down offers from every other NFL team to stay with the franchise that believed in him first.
A Rookie Who Chose Heart Over Opportunity
In a league where opportunity often outweighs loyalty, Detroit Lions rookie edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein made a rare and admirable choice. Despite receiving interest from every other team in the NFL, the sixth-round pick stood firm in his decision to return to the organization that drafted him.
Hassanein revealed that his agent informed him of widespread interest across the league, with 31 teams reaching out about signing him to their practice squads. Still, the rookie never hesitated about where he wanted to be.
“My agent was kinda handling all that,” Hassanein said, per Ryan Mathews of Pride of Detroit. “He was telling me, ‘Oh, 31 (teams) was wanting you on their practice squad,’ because I don’t count (on the roster) as a (international) player. So I went, ‘Man, I’m not going anywhere. I want to stay here, because these people believe in me, and I’m going to give it all I’ve got.’ Because loyalty is a big thing for me. I’m honored.”
It’s the kind of statement that resonates deeply in Detroit’s locker room—a team built on grit, belief, and a no-nonsense culture fostered by head coach Dan Campbell.
A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Hassanein flashed serious potential during the preseason, appearing in three of the Lions’ four exhibition games. He tallied five tackles, three run stops, and two pressures, earning strong Pro Football Focus grades across the board — 73.5 overall, 69.0 in run defense, and 74.9 in tackling.
Unfortunately, a pectoral injury in Week 2 of the preseason temporarily derailed his rise. The Lions made a calculated move by waiving him with an injury settlement, hoping they could bring him back once healthy. It was a gamble, as Detroit risked losing a promising young pass rusher just when their depth was being tested.
The risk has now paid off. Fully recovered, Hassanein is back with the Lions and ready to contribute to one of the league’s most disruptive defensive fronts.
Detroit’s Defensive Depth Grows Stronger
The Lions have quietly built one of the NFL’s top pass-rushing units, entering Week 11 ranked fourth in the league with 30 sacks. Aidan Hutchinson leads the charge with seven sacks, while Al-Quadin Muhammad has chipped in six more during what’s shaping up to be a career year.
With veteran Marcus Davenport also designated to return from injured reserve, the Lions’ defensive edge rotation is about to become even more formidable — and Hassanein’s return only strengthens that foundation.
His story embodies the team’s spirit of loyalty, hard work, and resilience — values that have helped define Detroit’s resurgence under Campbell.
A Testament to the Lions’ Culture
Hassanein’s unwavering commitment isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a reflection of what the Lions have built. For a rookie to turn down 31 other opportunities says as much about him as it does about the organization.
In a league often defined by business decisions and personal advancement, Ahmed Hassanein chose loyalty — and in Detroit, that means everything.