Wide receiver Hakeem Butler used to be in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals actually drafted him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 103rd overall to be exact. Now, after being out of the league for a few years and balling out in the newly formed United Football League in 2023, he’s ready to return to the 32-team league.
He’ll have a lot of interest from teams. How did we get here, exactly? Let’s dive into it.
A Journey Filled With Twists And Turns
Butler played three years at Iowa State University. He played 34 games for the Cyclones, racking up 18 touchdowns including nine of them as a redshirt junior. 2018 was his best season, catching 60 passes for 1,318 yards.
Skipping his senior year to go to the NFL Draft, the 6’5″ receiver was drafted by the aforementioned Cardinals. However, a broken hand forced to miss the entirety of his rookie season.
Butler was waived the very next year, but would sign with the Carolina Panthers and their practice squad not too long ago after. 11 days later, the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to their active roster as a tight end. But, he would revert to their practice squad a month later. However, he did appear in two games for Philadelphia.
Waived in August of 2021, Butler made short stops in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions and the Edmonton Elks.
Then, on January 1st, 2023, the wideout was drafted by the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL in the fifth round. With 51 catches for 599 yards and eight touchdowns, he showcased his talent. Released by the team on May 15th, the Pittsburgh Steelers came calling and signed him to their roster. Unfortunately, he would be released a few months later in August.
The UFL Was What He Needed
On December 4th, 2023, Butler re-signed with the Battlehawks, who became part of the eight-team league known as the United Football League.
This new league was a blessing in disguise, as Butler took over and showed viewers (and the NFL) what he can do with the ball in his hands.
Though his team won’t be playing in the UFL Championship this weekend (the Battlehawks fell to the San Antonio Brahamas 25-15 this past weekend), Butler had an outstanding season. He caught 45 passes for a league-leading 652 yards. His five receiving touchdowns were tied for second-most in the league, as he was quarterback A.J. McCarron‘s (remember him from Alabama?) favorite target.
Hakeem Butler again!! Wow. pic.twitter.com/vhcqFyan7Q
— Jackson Pence (@JacksonLPence) April 28, 2024
It’s clear his size and speed can be useful to an NFL team. As long as he remains healthy, an NFL team will take a chance on him. Opposing coaches are already endorsing him (just ask Wade Phillips).
HEARTWARMING: Moment between XFL coach Wade Phillips to star wide receiver Hakeem Butler
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 10, 2024
“I'm going to tell everyone in the NFL that I talk to, you need to be playing.”
🥹🥹🥹
pic.twitter.com/5lALHCFONZ
After that conversation, the NFL came calling. Recently, the Carolina Panthers invited him to a workout. Although he hasn’t signed with them or any team yet, one thing is for certain: he will be in the NFL again. His skillset, talent, and production speak for itself.
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Featured Image: Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
