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Ezekiel Ansah

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Ezekiel Ansah

Sometimes, you were born to do something, even if you grew up having never seen it.

Born and raised in Ghana, Ezekiel Ansah was an excellent student and natural athlete.  He received an academic scholarship from BYU, and tried out for the basketball team (which he did not make), but did earn a spot in track.  With his size, Ansah was persuaded to try out for football, and despite not even knowing how to put on shoulder pads, he made the team.  Three years later, he had impressed scouts so much that he was the Fifth Overall Pick in the 2013 Draft.

Taken by the Detroit Lions, Ansah became a starter as a rookie, and proved quickly he was a very good pass rusher.  Ansah made the Pro Bowl in 2015 off of a 14.5 Sack year, and he had another double-digit Sack year (12) in 2017.  He recorded 50.5 Sacks over his eight NFL seasons; six with Detroit, and one each in Seattle and San Francisco.  What a career for someone who never picked up a football until college!

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Accra, Ghana
  • Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2026
  • Position: Defensive End
  • Games Played: 99
  • Notable Statistics:

    74 Games Started
    12 Forced Fumbles
    5 Fumble Recoveries
    3 Fumble Recovery Yards
    50.5 Quarterback Sacks
    236 Combined Tackles
    174 Solo Tackles
    62 Assisted Tackles
    63 Tackles for Loss
    118 Quarterback Hits
    43 Approximate Value

    3 Playoff Games
    3.0 Quarterback Sacks
    12 Combined Tackles
    8 Solo Tackles
    4 Assisted Tackles
    3 Tackles for Loss
    10 Quarterback Hits

  • Played For: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
  • College: BYU
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2013
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Second Team All-Pro (2015)
    Pro Bowl (2015)
    All-Rookie (2013)
    Super Bowl Rings (None)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Tackles for Loss (1) (2017)
    Top Ten Finishes: Forced Fumbles (1) (2015)
    Top Ten Finishes: Quarterback Sacks (2) (2015 & 2017)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: None

Should Ezekial Ansah be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 0%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 100%
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