Hakeem Adeniji Bio
Hakeem Adeniji (born December 8, 1997) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks, making the first-team in 2019 and second-team in 2018 before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Adeniji has established himself as a reliable player in the league, contributing to his teams’ offensive lines since his debut.
Early Life and Background
Hakeem Adeniji was born in Garland, Texas. He attended Garland High School, where he initially committed to play football at the United States Air Force Academy. However, due to an allergy to cashews, he was unable to receive the necessary medical waiver to attend. This setback led him to commit to the University of Kansas, where he would further develop his skills as a football player. Adeniji’s high school experience laid the foundation for his future in football, allowing him to showcase his talent on a larger stage.
Path to American Football
At the University of Kansas, Hakeem Adeniji quickly became a starter at tackle during his freshman year, starting all twelve games. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated remarkable durability, not missing a single game due to injury. By the end of his senior year, he had participated in 48 games, starting in all of them. His performance helped pave the way for running back Pooka Williams Jr. to achieve over 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons. Adeniji’s contributions earned him recognition, including Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018 and First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2019.
Hakeem Adeniji Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Hakeem Adeniji was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 180th overall selection in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. He made an immediate impact, recording his first career start at tackle in Week 8 of the 2020 season. In that game, he helped the Bengals achieve a significant milestone by allowing zero sacks, a first for the team that season. Adeniji finished his rookie year with five starts and played in fifteen games. However, his 2021 season was marred by injury, as he tore his pectoral muscle during offseason workouts, leading to season-ending surgery. He returned to the field in November 2021 and contributed to the Bengals’ postseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, marking the franchise’s first playoff win in over three decades.
Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In the 2022 season, Adeniji began as the backup right tackle but quickly became the starting right tackle after an injury to La’el Collins. He played a crucial role in the Bengals’ playoff run, including their appearance in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the team’s loss, Adeniji’s performance solidified his reputation as a dependable offensive lineman. In August 2023, he was waived by the Bengals and subsequently signed to the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings. He was later promoted to the active roster, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the competitive NFL landscape.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hakeem Adeniji’s signature work includes his contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals during their playoff run in 2021, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive line. His accolades include being named First-team All-Big 12 in 2019 and Second-team All-Big 12 in 2018, highlighting his collegiate success.
Hakeem Adeniji Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Hakeem Adeniji has received notable nominations, particularly during his college years, where he was recognized for his performance in the Big 12 Conference.
Hakeem Adeniji Awards Won
Hakeem Adeniji has achieved significant recognition in his career, including being named First-team All-Big 12 in 2019 and Second-team All-Big 12 in 2018. These awards reflect his skill and dedication to the sport.
Hakeem Adeniji Family
Hakeem Adeniji is married to Kayla, and the couple is expecting their first child, a son, due in 2024.
Personal Life
Adeniji married his fiancé Kayla in June 2021. The couple faced a heartbreaking loss when their first son, Semiu Zade Adeniji, was stillborn in November 2024. Adeniji expressed his grief publicly, emphasizing the profound impact of this loss on his life.