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While it took a little longer than expected, Hakeem Butler is back in the NFL’s ranks. According to Adam Schefter, the St. Louis Battlehawks star WR is signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. He received interest from a few different NFL teams, but lands with the Bengals following a successful workout today.
Bengals signed former UFL St. Louis Battlehawks standout WR Hakeem Butler.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2024
Hakeem Butler’s story is absolutely incredible. After spending a bit of time away from football, he messaged the Battlehawks Head Coach, Anthony Becht, asking for an opportunity to play with the team for the 2023 season.
hakeem: him@410keem td x2 pic.twitter.com/Q1XYLXgfRz
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) May 4, 2024
Becht gave him a chance, bringing Butler to Training Camp. He went on to lead the XFL with eight receiving touchdowns, dominating with St. Louis that year as he recorded 599 receiving yards. This led to an NFL opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Following his time with Pittsburgh, Hakeem returned to the St. Louis Battlehawks. Not surprisingly, he had another spectacular year in the spring football scene. Butler led all UFL wide receivers with 652 receiving yards in 2024, scoring five touchdowns.
“I think what I do with my combination of size and speed… I think I’m extremely dangerous.”@XFLBattlehawks Hakeem Butler (@410Keem) is leading the UFL in receiving yards and TDs. Good luck covering him
From a DM to @Anthony_Becht to one of the most dominant WRs in the league pic.twitter.com/lykQc6B6hM
See also
— Corey Miller (@corey_miller5) May 3, 2024
His efforts led to earning not just All-UFL honors in 2024, but Hakeem Butler was also named the UFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.
At 6’6”, Butler is a massive frame, but has impressive speed – and outstanding hands. We’ve seen him come down with contested catches in spring football the last two years, and now he’ll look to do the same in the NFL, with Cincinnati.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a busy day for the Bengals, as they just signed Michigan Panthers DB Nate Brooks. Cincinnati’s front office is clearly paying attention to the UFL, which is something that we love to see.
Without the national platform that the UFL provided Hakeem with, who knows if this opportunity would have been possible. You can stay up to date with all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Hakeem Butler signing with Cincinnati? What’s your favorite memory of him from his time with the St. Louis Battlehawks? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
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