Ahmed Hassanein qualifies for the NFL's International Pathways Program because he was raised in Egypt and played just 2 years of high school football.

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

Hassanein will continue to not count against the roster until the Lions make their 53-man roster cuts. If Hassanein makes the team, he will then count against the 53-man roster. If Hassanein is waived and clears waivers, he can sign to any team’s practice squad without counting against the 16-man practice squad roster limit.