BB.”Lions rookie who just renewed his contract did the BEST action to prove his LOYALTY, Detroit fans are crazy and calling him “the original True Grit”
Detroit, MI – November 13, 2025
Loyalty in the NFL is rare. But in Detroit, it just became a headline. When most young players chase roster spots wherever they appear, one rookie defensive end chose something far deeper — faith in a team that believed in him first.
The Detroit Lions have officially re-signed sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein to their practice squad, bringing back a player whose story now represents the kind of loyalty that defines this franchise under Dan Campbell.
Hassanein was released earlier this season with an injury settlement after suffering a setback in camp. During his time away, several teams — reportedly as many as 31 — reached out with offers to join their practice squads. He declined every single one.
“Loyalty is a big thing for me,” Hassanein said. “I’m not going anywhere. These people believed in me first, and I want to finish what we started here.”
For the Lions, that kind of mindset matters as much as talent. Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have built Detroit’s rise on toughness, humility, and culture — the same values that shaped Hassanein’s decision. While still rehabbing, he continued to train near the team facility, hoping for the call that finally came this week.
The move not only rewards Hassanein’s patience but also reflects Detroit’s commitment to developing players who buy into the process. Holmes described the re-signing as a long-term investment. “Bottom line, he’s going to be a Detroit Lion,”
Holmes told reporters. “He’s going to be back on the football field playing this year.”
Teammates say his return brings energy back into the locker room. Despite not playing a single snap this season, Hassanein’s attitude during rehab made an impression. His persistence and quiet leadership mirrored the grit that’s become the Lions’ identity.
Detroit’s front seven has seen its share of rotation this year, and adding a motivated young pass rusher gives the unit another spark. Coaches view Hassanein as a developmental piece — strong, disciplined, and molded perfectly for Aaron Glenn’s aggressive defensive scheme.
For Hassanein, this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a statement. While others chased opportunities elsewhere, he chose to stand by the team that drafted him, trusting that his moment will come under the bright lights of Ford Field.
“I’m home,” he said simply after signing. “And when I get back on that field, I’m going to make sure everyone knows why I stayed.”
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