WATCH: Hakeem Butler’s long touchdown catch

Hakeem Butler is doing Hakeem Butler things in the XFL.

The former Cyclone made one of the night’s most significant plays on Thursday when he caught a pass from St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron and rumbled 44 yards to the end zone late in the fourth quarter on a play reminiscent of his collegiate domination.

Butler’s touchdown gave St. Louis a late lead and the Battlehawks ultimately went on to kick a field goal as time expired to beat the Seattle Sea Dragons, 20-18.

On the night, Butler caught four passes for 61 yards and the score. It was his second touchdown of the season after he also had three receptions for 32 yards and a score in St. Louis’ season-opening win over San Antonio.

Former Cyclones Willie Harvey and Mike Rose were two of the Battlehawks’ busiest defenders, tallying seven tackles and five tackles, respectively, to finish amongst the team leaders.

The Battlehawks will be back in action on Sunday, March 5, as they’ll travel to Washington, D.C. to take on the D.C. Defenders in a game that will be televised on FX.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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