7 Years Ago He Couldn’t Speak English or Play Football, Now He’s a Detroit Lion

The NFL Draft was this past weekend, and the Detroit Lions made some exciting picks. One draft pick couldn't speak English and knew nothing about football 7 years ago.

The Detroit Lions' 2025 Draft Picks

Even though the Detroit Lions were the NFC Champions, they still made out well during the NFL Draft thanks to general manager Brad Holmes.

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I've been a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions. Yes, I know, it's been a rough life. Lions general manager Brad Holmes had me scratching my head when he was first hired for the job, when he traded T.J. Hockenson to division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. I have learned to trust this man ever since that decision.

According to FOX 17, the Detroit Lions' general manager made 7 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

• Round 1: From Ohio State - DT - Tyleik Williams
• Round 2: From Georgia - OG - Tate Ratledge
• Round 3: From Arkansas - WR - Isaac TeSlaa
• Round 5: From LSU - OG - Miles Frazier
• Round 6: From Boise State - EDGE - Ahmed Hassanein
• Round 7: From Georgia - S - Dan Jackson
• Round 7: From Georgia - WR - Dominic Lovett

Read More: Tour the Detroit Lions' New Locker Room

Couldn't Speak English or Play Football - 7 Years Later He's a Detroit Lion

According to FOX 17, the Detroit Lions made NFL Draft history by drafting the first Egyptian. EDGE rusher Ahmed Hassanein was born in the United States but moved to Egypt as a child and spent 10 years in Africa. Hassanein moved back to the U.S. in 2018 to live with his brother. At that time of the move, Hassanein could not speak English and knew nothing about American football.

Ahmed Hassanein has since learned to speak English, become a student at Boise State, and become an important member as an edge rusher for the Broncos football team. Hassanein was the 6th-round draft pick for the Detroit Lions, who will eventually become the edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

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Hassanein proves once again that the American dream is still alive.