Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is in full swing now, and for some, it is a place where dreams turn into reality. For others, it’s where dreams go to die. Training camp is filled with surprises, whether it be injuries, or players you’ve never heard of making splash plays. Young players like to use this time to showcase their true talent in hopes of impressing coaches and front offices.
This isn't the first time around the block for wide receiver, Hakeem Butler. This year's training camp could be his last opportunity at making a final 53-man roster. So far, Butler has done nothing but shine during 2023 training camp and if he keeps it up, he'll see himself making the 53-man roster for the Steelers. But how did he get here?
Butler stands at 6’5" and roughly 230 pounds. He was a two-sport athlete in high school (basketball, football) and received multiple offers for both sports. He would later go on to commit to play football at Iowa State University. During his two-year career at Iowa State (2016-2018), he racked a total of 2,149 yards on 110 receptions and 18 TDs. Here is where Butler would find his calling, smashing multiple school records including most receiving yards in a single season in 2018 (1,318).
After his record-breaking year, Butler believed it was best for him to enter his name into the 2019 NFL Draft. He would go on to be drafted in the fourth round of the by the Arizona Cardinals. Sadly, he would run into a huge setback and would miss his entire rookie season due to a hand injury.
Steelers' Butler Is Not Afraid Of Adversity
Butler is no stranger to facing tragedy and adversity. Butler grew up in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. He was raised by a single mom and had two siblings. Sadly, when Butler was in his teen years, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She tragically would lose her battle with breast cancer in 2012 and Butler would be adopted by his uncle and move to Texas. According an interview with NFL.com Butler paid tribute to his mother.
"She gave me a new life.. I lost everything to gain everything."
Butler believes that the passing of his mom was what pushed him hard enough to continue playing the sport of football. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when it's your own mother. Butler's mindset has been the same since then: don't give up, keep going. After his hand injury, he would face even more setbacks. He would be unable to find an NFL squad who wanted him, and bounced from multiple practice squads hoping to crack a roster spot (Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles).
He would eventually appear in two games for the Eagles during the 2020 season. In those two games, he was targeted just once. He once again found himself back on the practice squad. In 2021, he was cut by the Eagles during training camp. At this point, his chances at making an NFL roster were looking slim.
Butler Kept Pushing
Bulter would find a new opportunity with the XFL. He signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks for the 2023 XFL season. With the Battlehawks, he would once again bring back the flashiness he had at Iowa State. He would rack up 599 yards on 51 receptions and have eight touchdowns. After the XFL season, NFL teams were once again showing interest in the 6'6" wide receiver.
After his breakout season, he would end up being signed by the Steelers on a one-year deal. We’re only a week into Steelers training camp for the 2023 NFL season and Butler is already making a name for himself by showing a glimpse of his old Iowa State ways. This included a spectacular catch during the Steelers 11 on 11 period on Saturday (7/29) where he seemingly took the ball out of cornerback Luq Barcoo’s hands (who had a sure interception).
Butler has shown his tough resiliency throughout, not only his football career, but also his childhood. With many ups and downs, he seemed to never put his head down. And he's close to being rewarded for never giving up. Butler is a great example of that no matter what happens, never give up. If Butler continues to put forth a strong showing during Steelers training camp, don’t be shocked to see him have a much bigger role for the Steelers than just given a roster spot in 2023.
Does Steeler Nation believe that Hakeem Butler can make an impact on the field with his play for the Steelers in 2023? Leave your comments down below!
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