An Egyptian Cowboy? Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty may not be the only player the Dallas Cowboys could pick out of Boise State in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a wholesome story about breaking free from limitations and leaping out of a well. It’s also about chasing opportunities that once seemed impossible. In the heart of Cairo, where soccer reigns supreme and American football is virtually unheard of, a young athlete dared to dream differently. 

Standing at 6’2, 267 pounds, Boise State EDGE Ahmed Hassanein is on the verge of making history. If drafted, he’ll become “the first Egyptian to be drafted into the NFL.” ESPN captured his journey in a touching Instagram post on April 4, showcasing his rise.

The first image showed Hassanein proudly holding a Boise State flag in front of the pyramids, emblazoned with the words — “BOISE STATE’S AHMED HASSANEIN IS ON THE VERGE IN NFL HISTORY.” And the next slides only get better. 

The next slide told the story of a critical moment in his journey. His half-brother Cory Beach played a pivotal role. He convinced their father to let Ahmed Hassanein leave home and move 7,500 miles away to chase his dreams. A month later, he was on a flight to Los Angeles, stepping into an entirely different world. Unsurprisingly, skepticism surrounded the move.

His sister Aziza Ibrahim warned him of the challenges ahead. “It’s going to be really hard,” she told him. “And it’s going to be one of the most difficult things you’ve ever done because the culture shock is going to be there, you’re going to lose all your friends, you can’t speak English very well.”

But Hassanein refused to let doubt define him.

The Boise State star committed himself to the grind, waking up at 5 AM every day to work out before school. After classes, he would go to practice and then hit the gym for three to four hours each night. As the next slide featured, “Despite initial language barriers, lack of football knowledge and playing the sport for the first time as a sophomore in high school — Hassanein is on the verge of becoming the first Egyptian to be drafted into the NFL.” 

His sister, Gigi Ibrahim, reflected on how far he had come. “It was surreal to think that we just dreamed this to save Ahmed and get him to the US., like ‘Project Mission: Get Ahmed to the US,’” she said. “And then it was ‘Mission: Get Ahmed into college,’ and now it’s ‘Mission: Get Ahmed into the NFL.’”

And that mission may already be in progress. 

Ahmed Hassanein – A late round sleeper?

Ahmed Hassanein and the Cowboys have already shown mutual interest. The Broncos’ edge rusher confirmed he met with the franchise and told reporters, “I would love to be an Egyptian Cowboy.”

According to the NFL Mock Draft database, he is currently a sixth-round projection to Dallas. Meanwhile, his teammate Ashton Jeanty is a projected R1 pick to the Cowboys. 

Hassanein’s on-field production backs up his aspirations. After starting as a reserve in 2021 and gradually earning a bigger role, he exploded in 2023. The Jason Witten Man of the Year Award finalist racked up 12.5 sacks, ranking 5th in the FBS, and 16.5 tackles for loss. In 2024, he won First-Team All-Mountain West for the second straight year with 15.5 TFLs and 9.5 sacks. 

While all eyes may be on Ashton Jeanty as a potential R1 selection, don’t be surprised if Ahmed Hassanein hears his name called by the Cowboys on Day 3.

From Cairo to Boise State to the NFL? The dream that once seemed far-fetched is now within reach.