Former Steelers WR Hakeem Butler Named UFL Offensive Player of the Year
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hakeem Butler has won the UFL's Offensive Player of the Year for his standout performance.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hakeem Butler has won the United Football League’s Offensive Player of the Year Award, the league announced on Friday. Butler led the league in receiving yards with 652 yards while adding 45 receptions and five touchdowns to his resume. He was with the Steelers last year in training camp after an impressive season with the St. Louis Battlehawks, but an injury ended his run with the team in training camp.
Now, Butler is setting himself up for another shot in the NFL. A big-bodied receiver who is imposing, Butler had some ‘wow’ moments in Latrobe a year ago, but he was inconsistent and struggled with drops, too. Before the preseason was over, Butler suffered an undisclosed injury, and the team waived him.
Coming out of Iowa State in 2019, Butler was a hyped-up prospect who was drafted in the fourth round by the Arizona Cardinals. He flamed out there and even had a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. While in Philadelphia, he experimented with playing tight end at his size but switched back to wide receiver. Butler almost retired from football after flaming out in the CFL, but a Twitter direct message to Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht gave him a lifeline.
With another strong performance in the UFL, Butler has given himself another chance to get into an NFL training camp and prove himself likely. Of course, it is unlikely that the Steelers will bring him in once again, but with the team needing some help at wide receiver, they could look at names that intrigue them in the UFL. Butler, with his production and size, is set to be one of the top names that will draw NFL interest.
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