Even though he's an American-born US citizen, Lions rookie DE Ahmed Hassanein still earned an international player exemption from the NFL.

Bringing a relentless work ethic and a physical style of play, the Boise State product is viewed as a player who can seamlessly gel with how the Lions operate. On the heels of the team's first rookie minicamp practice, Hassanein was emphatic that he will take no handouts on his journey to becoming a contributor.

The Detroit Lions finally got their edge rusher when they took Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Hassanein spent most of his life in Egypt until he moved to America around 2019.