Report: Former BYU DE Ziggy Ansah Undergoing Physical, COVID-19 Testing With 49ers

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The San Francisco 49ers are getting a look at former BYU and current NFL defensive end Ekeziel “Ziggy” Ansah, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Ansah is currently a free agent. He last played for the 49ers’ NFC West rival, the Seattle Seahawks, during the 2019 season.

“This is interesting: Former #Seahawks pass-rusher and current free agent Ziggy Ansah is going through a physical and COVID-19 testing with the #49ers, sources say,” Rapoport tweeted on Tuesday, August 4. “Nothing is done, but SF gets a first look at a potentially high-end edge talent.”

This is interesting: Former #Seahawks pass-rusher and current free agent Ziggy Ansah is going through a physical and COVID-19 testing with the #49ers, sources say. Nothing is done, but SF gets a first look at a potentially high-end edge talent.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2020

The upcoming 2020 NFL season will the former BYU defender’s eighth season in the league.

Last season, the Niners fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.

Ziggy Ansah’s NFL Career

Following a three-year career at BYU, the Detroit Lions selected Ansah with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Ansah went on to play for the Lions from 2013-2018. During his time in Detroit, Ansah earned a selection to the Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2015.

After an injury-riddled 2018 season, the Lions moved on from the defensive end. In May 2019, Ansah signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks. He helped Seattle reach the postseason in his only season with the team.

During his NFL career, Ansah has recorded 236 total tackles, 174 solo tackles, 50.5 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, 118 quarterback hits, 12 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.

He’s appeared in 91 games and 3 playoff games. Ansah’s started 74 games in his seven seasons.

Ziggy Ansah’s BYU Career

Prior to his rookie year with the Lions, Ansah had a three-year college career from 2010-12 at BYU.

The Accra, Ghana native joined the Cougars’ football team as a sophomore. He’d previously tried out and was unsuccessful in making BYU’s men’s basketball team. He later joined the Cougars’ track team.

In 2010, Ansah successfully walked 0n to the football team.

During his three seasons with BYU football, Ansah played in 31 games, including nine starts.

He posted 72 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, and 7 quarterback hurries during BYU career.