I don’t really view myself as that big – Steelers 6’5 227 WR Hakeem Butler says

Published June 28th, 11:10 EDT
by Bo Marchionte

Pittsburgh – Think big! Supersize that thought and change it to incredibly massive and you have a better description of Steelers wideout Hakeem Butler.  The former fourth round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, has a frame that immediately captures your attention. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 227-pounds he is a behemoth.

When rookie camp opened for the Steelers a mixed bag of veterans and rookies everyone asked one another – Who is No. 21? It’s his gargantuan frame that keeps NFL teams interested, despite not having a single reception in the NFL and just two game appearances.

“I don’t really view myself as that big when I’m out there,” Butler said in his easygoing voice. “I feel it at times when I’m playing the game and being physical, because I love being physical. I’m just one of the guys truthfully.”

He is one of the guys who appears more reserved. The nickname of ‘Gentle Giant’ might suit Butler very nicely. His comforting personality and gigantic physical presence adapt perfectly. Butler isn’t seeking extra attention but his play on the field and size are hard to ignore.

The only flamboyant aspect of his on-field actions resonates in his attire. If my notes serve me correctly, he is one of three players amongst the 90-plus in camp who wear yellow shorts. However, his are cut way above the thigh accentuating the length of his long torso. 

Butler usually can be found immediately after practice just chilling at his locker and that’s not uncommon, because all the players do that, but even the quietest guys make some noise once in a while. I’ve not witnessed Butler getting loose or loud while on the South Side of Pittsburgh at the facility.

“I got a pretty good routine, I guess with that,” Butler said of getting acclimated from city to city on his quest to earn a permanent roster spot. “I take my video game with me everywhere I go. That’s like my life at this point (laughs). Just my video game, my clothes, and my positive attitude. Then find something good to eat in the city and I’m comfortable.

“The food here is amazing first of all. There is a place called ‘So Fresh’ that I think is a place I’ve been eating. The place is delicious. I’ve been doing nonstop over eats. I spend a lot of money (there). I love that place.”

The Steelers will be the seventh professional team he has signed with and the fourth NFL team. Despite his immense size and talents at the position his career hasn’t had the trajectory most assumed when he decided to forgo his senior year at Iowa State and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

Butler signed with Pittsburgh earlier this year on May 16th, one day after he was released from his contract with the St. Louis BattleHawks of XFL. He excelled in St. Louis regained the trust of NFL personnel and more specifically the Steelers. His league leading eight touchdowns in 10 games was accompanied by his 51 receptions for 599 yards that ranked him second overall respectively in both categories.

“I’ve been in this,” Butler said in his easygoing voice. “I’ve lost this (Playing in NFL). I’ve got it back. So, I know it can be over as quick as it starts. So, I’m enjoying every moment.”

The moment is now, and it appears he is continuing where he left off with the BattleHawks and carrying that hot streak as the Steelers head to Latrobe, Pennsylvania for training camp. While the specific details of his OTA and minicamp successes cannot be relayed entirely due to team policies, rest assured Butler hasn’t disappointed.

It is almost impossible not to notice him with such a huge frame and wide catch radius. Time and time again, the media would comment repeatedly about his size and how much of a mismatch he provides his offense. Butler says the height was always an asset, but the bulk and intimidating frame came much later, in fact he was the one who was a little intimidated early in his career.

“I was tall,” Butler said growing up. “I was always tall. When I got to college, I was like 170 or 160. I saw dudes hitting during seven on sevens with no pads and never thought I’d see the field truthfully (laughing). But I worked hard and put on a lot of weight. It made me a lot stronger and a lot faster. More confident for sure.”

Butler has proved his confidence hasn’t wavered throughout the seven cities he has lived in since 2019. Arizona (2019), Carolina Panthers (2020), Philadelphia Eagles (2020), BC Lions (2022), Edmonton Elks (2022), St. Louis BattleHawks (2023) and now in Pittsburgh.

He remains in a volatile situation in Pittsburgh. Last year the Steelers opened in Cincinnati with six receivers and one on their practice squad. Miles Boykin, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, Gunner Olszewski, George Pickens, and Steven Sims suited up while Cody White was on the team’s practice squad.

If the Steelers aim to keep those same numbers intact for the 2023 season, then Calvin Austin, Johnson, Pickens, Allen Robinson are the top four receivers. Boykin and Olszewski likely are the fifth and sixth options that leave one wideout available for the practice squad.

Could that be Butler?

“That’s for them to decide,” Butler said on what the Steelers like about him moving forward. “I don’t really like talking about myself too much. I’m just me and I’ll leave that up to them or whoever else wants to put their opinion on it. I’m just me. I’m going to continue to make plays and just play fast and play physical. Physical as hell.”