Ahmed Hassanein, a defensive end from Boise State, was the first player born in Egypt to be selected by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.

On Saturday, history was made in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions selected Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein with the 184th overall pick, marking the first time in franchise history that the team has drafted a player born in Egypt. For Hassanein, it was the culmination of a remarkable journey that transcended football, embodying perseverance, cultural pride, and global inspiration.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Hassanein’s path to the NFL is anything but traditional. Raised in a soccer-obsessed nation where American football has little exposure, his early years were steeped in a completely different athletic environment. His family immigrated to the United States when Ahmed was just nine years old, settling in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. The transition was not easy, but the move would ultimately set the stage for a groundbreaking future.

“I didn’t even know what football was when I moved here,” Hassanein said in a recent interview. “I used to play soccer and swim, but once I picked up a football and learned the game, I fell in love with it. It was a new language for me, both literally and culturally.”

That love for the sport led him to join his middle school football team, and though he was raw, his size and athleticism turned heads quickly. Coaches took notice of his natural abilities and disciplined work ethic. By the time he entered high school at Cypress Ridge in Texas, Hassanein had transformed himself into a dominant pass-rusher with a high motor and a thirst for learning.

Despite offers from a few Power Five schools, Hassanein chose Boise State, a program known for developing under-recruited talent into NFL-caliber players. The decision paid off.

As a redshirt freshman, Hassanein contributed immediately in rotational duty. By his sophomore year, he became a starter, recording 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. His blend of strength, speed, and technique made him a consistent presence in opponents’ backfields. But more importantly, he grew into a team leader both on and off the field.

During his senior season in 2024, Hassanein tallied a career-high 9.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, earning All-Mountain West first-team honors. He also served as one of the team captains, lauded by coaches for his character and accountability.

“Ahmed has been a cornerstone of our program,” Boise State head coach Andy Avalos said. “He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached. He studies film like a pro, leads by example, and brings a relentless attitude every day.”

That consistency made him a popular sleeper pick among NFL scouts heading into the draft. While not widely projected to go in the top rounds, many believed he could be a valuable late-round steal with long-term upside.

For Hassanein, hearing his name called on Day 3 of the draft was surreal. Surrounded by family, including his parents—both Egyptian natives—Hassanein burst into tears when the phone rang with a 313 area code.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” he said. “I’m not just doing this for myself. I’m doing it for every Egyptian kid who dreams big and every immigrant family that makes sacrifices. This is for them.”

The Lions, who have placed a premium on high-character, hard-nosed players during their rebuild under GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, believe they found a gem.

“He’s a powerful edge rusher with raw tools that we believe our coaches can really mold,” Holmes said during his post-draft press conference. “And beyond football, he’s just a guy you want in your locker room. He’s hungry, humble, and has an incredible backstory.”

Detroit’s defensive scheme, which values versatility and tenacity on the edge, appears to be a perfect fit. Hassanein is expected to compete for a role in the Lions’ pass-rushing rotation and contribute on special teams as he acclimates to the NFL game.

Hassanein’s draft selection is not only significant for his career but also for the visibility it brings to the growing global influence in American football. While the NFL has made strides in expanding its international reach through games in London, Germany, and Mexico, players of Egyptian descent have been rare in the league.

Only a handful of players with Middle Eastern heritage have made NFL rosters, and even fewer were born in the region. For young Egyptian athletes and aspiring football players in North Africa and the Middle East, Hassanein’s achievement is a breakthrough moment.

Ahmed has already received an outpouring of support from Egyptian sports fans and media, with several major outlets covering his story and celebrating his achievement. The Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports even issued a congratulatory message, calling Hassanein “a pioneer and role model for youth across the Arab world.”

“I want kids in Egypt to know that they can dream about the NFL, too,” Hassanein said. “You don’t have to come from a traditional football background. If you have the passion and you’re willing to work, anything is possible.”

He has already signaled his desire to work with the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program to help identify and mentor other talented athletes from the region.

For the Detroit Lions, Hassanein’s addition is part of a continued effort to build depth and talent along the defensive line. While he is unlikely to be a Day 1 starter, he brings length (6-foot-4), explosiveness (4.63-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day), and effort that coaches love to develop.

“We see a guy who can be a rotational piece early and grow into more,” said Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that’s the kind of edge presence we’re looking for.”

Detroit has been aggressive in constructing a defense that can pressure quarterbacks, especially in a loaded NFC with elite passers. Hassanein will have the opportunity to learn from established veterans and benefit from a development-focused environment.

“He’s the type of player who will embrace the grind,” Campbell added. “And in our building, that’s the only way you survive.”

Hassanein’s presence in the league opens up a broader discussion about representation. As one of the few Muslim players currently in the NFL, he understands the weight of being a visible figure for both Egyptians and Muslims across the globe.

“I take pride in who I am, my faith, and where I come from,” Hassanein said. “I want to use my platform to uplift others and represent my culture in a positive way.”

During Ramadan, Hassanein fasted while continuing his rigorous pre-draft training—earning admiration from teammates and coaches for his discipline.

“Ahmed is the definition of integrity,” said Boise State defensive line coach Frank Maile. “He never made excuses, never backed down from adversity. He always pushed through, even when it would’ve been easy to coast.”

That mindset has already endeared him to fans in Detroit, where working-class values and blue-collar grit resonate deeply.

As Ahmed Hassanein prepares to report to rookie minicamp in Allen Park, Michigan, the weight of what he’s accomplished hasn’t fully sunk in—but he’s ready for the next step.

“I’m not satisfied just being drafted,” he said. “I want to prove I belong. I want to make an impact and be remembered for more than just being the first Egyptian-born Lion. I want to be great.

Ahmed Hassanein’s journey from Cairo to Boise and now to the NFL is a story of hope, determination, and trailblazing ambition. As the first Egyptian-born player drafted by the Detroit Lions, he carries not just the pride of a nation, but the dreams of millions who see their reflection in his rise.

While the NFL is a league built on speed, power, and strategy, it’s also built on stories—stories like Ahmed Hassanein’s that remind us of the global reach of the game and the human spirit that drives it forward.

What aspect of Hassanein’s story would you like to explore deeper—his playing style, cultural impact, or Detroit’s draft strategy?