Butler signs one-year deal with Pittsburgh Steelers

Feb 23, 2023; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88) runs towards the endzone to score a touchdown against the Seattle Sea Dragons during the second half at Lumen Field. St. Louis defeated Seattle 20-18. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Hakeem Butler appears to be back in the NFL to stay.

The former Cyclone signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday after turning a breakout XFL season into an invitation to the Steelers’ mini-camp this month.

Butler, a Baltimore native, caught 51 passes for 599 yards and eight touchdowns during his one season with the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but did not play as a rookie then was released prior to the 2020 season.

He spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles then playing in the Canadian Football League before landing the opportunity in the XFL.

That all followed a standout collegiate career in which Butler caught 110 passes for 2,149 yards and 18 touchdowns in three seasons.

Jared Stansbury

View articles by Jared Stansbury subscriber

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.

Follow @@JaredStansbury