The 22-year-old defensive end was selected by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, following a standout collegiate career with the Boise State Broncos.
Hassanein’s path to the NFL was far from conventional.
Born in the United States, he moved to Egypt at the age of six to live with his father in Cairo.
There, he explored several sports, including CrossFit, wrestling, boxing, and swimming.
In 2018, he returned to the US to live with his brother in California — a football coach — who encouraged him to try American football.
Despite early challenges adjusting, Hassanein joined the Loara High School football team, where his talent quickly began to shine.
His efforts earned him a place at Boise State in December 2020.
After two developmental seasons, Hassanein emerged as a key player in 2023, and by 2024, he was team captain and one of the league’s top defenders.
Over four years with the Broncos, Hassanein recorded 119 tackles and 24 sacks across 49 games.
His final season in 2024 was his most impressive, tallying 48 tackles and 9.5 sacks.
His historic NFL draft selection marks a major milestone for Egyptian representation in American football.
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