Lions rookie shares the powerful story behind the legend who inspired his journey

The Detroit Lions didn't draft a pass rusher until the sixth-round, but the move to draft Ahmed Hassanein could eventually pay off in a big way.

Since the draft, a few accolades have piled in for Hassanein and the Lions given their partnership. While Hassanein wasn't on many radars prior to April, many analysts are starting to see the benefit that he could have for Detroit's roster.

On NFL.com, Chad Reuter named his favorite picks for every round of the 2025 draft. The Lions only appeared once on the list, and it was for their selection of Hassanein at pick No. 196 given what he can bring to the mix athletically.

"Hassanein's measurements (6-2 3/8, 267) are nearly the same as those of new Detroit teammate Josh Paschal (6-2 5/8, 268), and they ran identical 4.77-second 40-yard dashes. The productive Boise State star (32 tackles for loss, 22 sacks in 2023-24) was drafted much later than Paschal (Round 2, No. 46 overall, in 2022), likely because of a lack of twitch.

"Hassanein, who was born in the United States, grew up in Egypt and didn't learn football until coming back to the U.S. in high school, brings strong effort and a fiery attitude, matching Lions head coach Dan Campbell."

Hassanein's winning mindset has already shown up since being drafted to the Lions given his commitment to work hard on the field for Campbell. Certainly, those are the words of a player that could prove to be a steal.

Ahmed Hassanein drew his NFL inspiration from watching Aaron Donald

How successful can Hassanein become? Realistically, the sky is the limit due to his relatively raw skills that the Lions will have the chance to develop. Hassanein has only played football for six years, and has physical gifts which could prove valuable in the long run.

Joining "The Rich Eisen Show" before the draft, Hassanein revealed the moment he realized he wanted to play in the NFL came when he was watching former Los Angeles Rams' star defender Aaron Donald in a game he didn't realize was significant.

"I did not know what the NFL was. One time I was watching the NFL (with my brother) and I saw Aaron Donald. He was dominating people and I was like 'What high school does he go to?' He was like 'Bro that's the NFL' and I was like 'NFL, what's that?' and he was like 'Bro that's the National Football League.' I was like 'Okay, I want to go there. I want to play that. I want to be like that guy.' He goes, 'Bro you understand there's only like 1% and 2% that makes it.' I'm like 'Okay, I'm going to be the 1% or the 2%.'"

Famously, the Lions could have had Donald in the 2014 draft, but incorrectly bypassed him in favor of tight end Eric Ebron. They quickly came to regret that decision, as Ebron only lasted in Detroit four years. Donald, meanwhile, became a three-time Defensive Player of the Year as well as a perennial Pro Bowler and All-Pro who won a Super Bowl in Los Angeles.

Since the moment he saw Donald on the field, Hassanein has worked hard to learn the sport and get on the radar of both Boise State and the Lions. He's living the dream of becoming the first player drafted to the NFL from Egypt, and as a result, can now call himself part of the top 2% who have made the league.

Count on Hassanein staying motivated to make a name for himself. If he eventually becomes a clone of Donald, that would be a huge win for the Lions.