Despite initial language barriers and a lack of football knowledge, Ahmed Hassanein is close to becoming the first Egyptian to be drafted in the NFL.

With pick No. 196 in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Boise State EDGE Ahmed Hassanein. The Lions stood pat with their final sixth-round pick to take Hassanein, who has an interesting story.

Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (91) rallies the crowd against UNLV in the second half of the Mountain West Championship NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner) AP