Kehinde Oginni Hassan Bio
Kehinde Oginni Hassan is a Nigerian professional American football linebacker who plays for the Atlanta Falcons. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2022, as part of the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), which provides foreign players opportunities to compete in the National Football League. The 6-foot-6, 232-pound defender began his football journey in Nigeria after playing basketball until the age of 15 and has steadily worked his way toward establishing a professional career in American football.
Early Life and Background
Kehinde Oginni Hassan was born on March 3, 1999, in Abakaliki, Nigeria. During his youth, he primarily played basketball, believing he was too lanky to pursue football at that time. His perspective changed dramatically in 2014 when he received an invitation to attend a sports camp hosted by the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation (EUF). At age 15, Hassan traveled eight hours with friends to participate in the camp, where he learned the fundamentals of American football and instantly recognized it as his future path.
Shortly after completing the camp on June 10, 2014, Hassan and his companions were involved in a devastating bus accident on their way home. Three of his friends lost their lives in the collision, while Hassan sustained severe injuries that required hospitalization for two months. Rather than abandoning his newfound passion for football, Hassan used the tragedy as motivation, dedicating his future success to the memory of his fallen friends Tochuwku, David, and Hussein.
Path to American Football
During his recovery and the years that followed, Hassan trained with the local football team at Ahmadu Bello University. He documented his development by posting workout videos on YouTube, hoping to attract attention from college football programs in the United States. His efforts caught the interest of several American colleges, but visa challenges and the limited infrastructure for football in Nigeria prevented him from joining a U.S. program initially.
The Ahmadu Bello football team, founded in 2009, struggled to find opponents for years due to the absence of other team football programs in West Africa. On March 5, 2016, they finally played their first official game against the Lagos Marines, winning 26-14. In that contest, Hassan recorded six receptions for 104 yards and scored two touchdowns, demonstrating the athletic ability that would later propel him toward the professional level.
In 2021, former NFL player Osi Umenyiora established a football camp in Nigeria specifically for the International Player Pathway Program. Hassan attended and distinguished himself among participants, earning selection as one of three athletes chosen to train in London for six months to showcase their talents to NFL scouts. Following his London training, Hassan traveled to Arizona State University to participate in their pro day, where Kansas City Chiefs scouts observed enough potential to offer him a contract.
Kehinde Oginni Hassan Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2022)
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kehinde Oginni Hassan as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2022. Despite being assigned jersey number 67, which typically belongs to offensive and defensive linemen, he was initially listed as a tight end on the roster. His journey with the franchise proved brief, as the team waived him on August 30, 2022, ending his first NFL tenure before the regular season began.
Atlanta Falcons (2024–Present)
Hassan returned to the NFL in 2024, signing with the Atlanta Falcons as a defensive end on May 9. The Falcons assigned him to their roster as they evaluated his potential as a defensive player following his previous experience as an offensive weapon. The team waived him on August 27, 2024, but subsequently re-signed him to their practice squad, providing another opportunity to develop his skills within the organization.
The Falcons released Hassan from their practice squad on October 14, 2024, concluding his tenure with the team for that season. Despite this setback, his progression from Nigerian basketball player to NFL practice squad member demonstrates his commitment to overcoming significant obstacles in pursuit of a professional football career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kehinde Oginni Hassan brings impressive physical attributes to the linebacker position, standing at 6 feet 6 inches with a 232-pound frame. His background in basketball contributed to his coordination and body control, while his experience as a tight end in college showcased his ability to contribute in multiple roles. His height provides natural advantages in pass coverage and disrupting passing lanes, attributes the Chiefs originally identified when assigning him jersey number 67 typically reserved for larger linemen.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hassan’s journey to professional football represents a remarkable personal milestone given the circumstances surrounding his introduction to the sport. The tragic bus accident following his first football camp, which claimed the lives of three friends, became a defining moment that fueled his dedication to the game. His ability to transform tragedy into motivation and eventually secure opportunities with NFL organizations highlights the perseverance that characterizes his career path.
Kehinde Oginni Hassan Career Wins
While Hassan has not yet accumulated extensive professional statistics due to his limited NFL appearances, his collegiate career at Ahmadu Bello University includes notable performances that demonstrated his potential as a playmaker.
College Football Highlights
During his debut game with Ahmadu Bello University on March 5, 2016, against the Lagos Marines, Hassan delivered a standout performance, recording six receptions for 104 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the 26-14 victory. This game marked a historic occasion as the team’s first official contest and showcased Hassan’s ability to make an immediate impact at a competitive level.
International Player Pathway Program Achievement
His selection to the International Player Pathway Program in 2021 and subsequent six-month training period in London represented significant milestones that validated his development as a football player. The opportunity to train alongside international prospects and showcase his abilities at Arizona State University’s pro day ultimately led to his signing with an NFL franchise.
Kehinde Oginni Hassan Family
Personal Life
Kehinde Oginni Hassan maintains a focused approach to his football career following the transformative experiences of his youth. He credits the tragic loss of three friends in the 2014 bus accident as a driving force behind his dedication to the sport, often reflecting on the promise he made to honor their memory through his achievements. His journey from Nigeria to NFL rosters exemplifies the opportunities created by international development programs designed to expand the talent pool beyond traditional American football markets.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, Kehinde Oginni Hassan continues pursuing his goal of establishing a sustained presence in the National Football League. Following his release from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in October 2024, he remains available for signing opportunities with other franchises seeking defensive line depth. His combination of elite height, collegiate production, and international development experience presents an intriguing profile for teams looking to develop raw athletic talent into contributors.
Hassan’s progression through the International Player Pathway Program, his time with the Kansas City Chiefs organization, and his subsequent opportunities with the Atlanta Falcons have provided valuable exposure to professional football expectations and standards. Should he secure a roster spot or practice squad position for the 2025 campaign, his continued development will depend on demonstrating consistency in defensive assignments while leveraging his unique background as a former tight end and basketball player.