Ahmed Hassanein (born July 9, 2002) is an Egyptian-American professional football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life Hassanein was born in the United States and moved to Egypt at age six to live with his father in Cairo, where he participated in CrossFit, wrestling, boxing, and swimming. In 2018, he moved to Anaheim, California, to live with his brother, a football coach who convinced him to try the sport. "My brother saved me,” Hassanein later said. "I was in Egypt acting one way and my life and personality changed. I’ve been grinding and working. I'm blessed."
Hassanein attended Loara High School in Anaheim, where he was rated a three-star recruit. On December 16, 2020, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football for the Boise State Broncos.
College career In his first two collegiate seasons in 2021 and 2022, Hassanein appeared in 21 games and notched 18 tackles with two being for a loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He had a breakout season in 2023, notching 53 tackles with 17 being for a loss, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Broncos. Hassanein was named first-team All-Mountain West Conference for 2023. Heading into the 2024 season, he was named one of the Broncos team captains. In week two of the 2024 season, Hassanein tallied a sack against Oregon. In his final collegiate game, the 2024 Fiesta Bowl in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs, Hassanein made a sack and six tackles (three for loss). He finished the year with 48 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, and was named first-team All-Mountain West Conference again for his senior season. On January 6, 2025, Hassanein declared for the 2025 NFL draft.
College statistics Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions GP Cmb Solo Ast TFL Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds TD PD 2021 Boise State 9 5 4 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2022 Boise State 12 13 7 6 2 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2023 Boise State 14 53 30 23 17 12.5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2024 Boise State 14 48 28 20 16 9.5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Career 49 119 69 50 35 24.0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Professional career
Hassanein was selected 196th overall in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He was waived with an injury settlement on August 26. Hassanein was re-signed to the practice squad on November 10. He signed a reserve/future contract with Detroit on January 5, 2026.
Personal life Hassanein converted from Islam to Christianity while attending Boise State University. He has credited his coach, Spencer Danielson, with introducing him to the faith. Hassanein's sister is activist and journalist Gigi Ibrahim.
Hassanein is the first player of Egyptian heritage ever selected in the NFL draft.
References
External links
Detroit Lions bio Boise State Broncos bio