Ahmed Hassanein, a defensive end from Boise State, is poised to become the first player born in Egypt to be selected in the NFL draft this weekend. His journey to this point began less than seven years ago when he first arrived in the United States having never played American football.
Originally from Cairo, Hassanein moved to Southern California in his mid-teens to live with his half-brother, Cory Besch. Hassanein had been involved in athletics in Egypt, notably becoming a top-ranked CrossFit athlete in his age group. Besch, a football coach, recognized his potential and encouraged him to try the sport.
Learning football presented significant challenges. Hassanein had to learn English, adjust to a new culture, and understand the complex rules and strategies of the game simultaneously. His high school coach at Loara High School, Mitch Olson, noted Hassanein’s initial lack of football knowledge but praised his strength and athleticism, which allowed him to contribute quickly.
Much of Hassanein’s early football education occurred at home with his brother, practicing techniques and learning terminology. Olson recounted early games where penalties were common due to Hassanein not yet knowing the rules. Despite this steep learning curve, he showed rapid progress.
At Boise State, Hassanein developed into a prominent defensive player. After playing sparingly in his first two seasons, he became a full-time starter as a junior. He earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in both his junior and senior seasons, recording 12.5 sacks in 2023 and 8.5 sacks in 2024.
Coaches and teammates describe Hassanein as a dedicated and hardworking athlete. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson highlighted his impact on the field and his character off it. Defensive line coach Erik Chinander noted his growth, transitioning from a player focused strictly on coaching points to one who played more freely and reacted to the game.
While some draft analysts view Hassanein as still developing, those close to him believe his potential is high due to his work ethic and coachability. His brother, Cory Besch, estimated that Hassanein has reached about 70% of his potential, suggesting significant room for improvement at the professional level.
Projected as a potential late-round selection, Hassanein participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and reportedly drew interest from teams seeking depth on the defensive line. His physical tools, production, and personal journey make him an intriguing prospect in this year's draft class.
If selected, Hassanein’s entry into the league would represent a milestone for Egyptian athletes in American football. He has stated that the sport chose him and that he aims to demonstrate it has no borders.
His former high school coach, Mitch Olson, expressed pride in Hassanein’s achievements. "I’m just so happy for him," Olson said. "He’s worked his butt off."
