Hakeem Adeniji Bio
Hakeem Adeniji (born December 8, 1997) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). A sixth-round draft pick in 2020, Adeniji has built a reputation as a durable and versatile offensive lineman during his NFL career. He spent his college years at the University of Kansas, where he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2019 and Second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2018. Adeniji has played for three NFL franchises before joining the Cowboys, appearing in 55 career games with 16 starts across five seasons.
Early Life and Background
Hakeem Adeniji was born on December 8, 1997, in Garland, Texas, where he attended Garland High School. During his high school career, Adeniji developed into a top collegiate prospect and initially committed to play at the United States Air Force Academy. However, his plans changed when he failed to receive a medical waiver required to attend due to a severe cashew allergy. Faced with this obstacle, Adeniji redirected his commitment to the University of Kansas, where he would go on to become a standout offensive tackle.
Path to the NFL
Adeniji arrived at the University of Kansas in 2016 and immediately made an impact. As a freshman, he became a starter at offensive tackle, beginning a streak that would define his college career. Throughout his four seasons with the Jayhawks, Adeniji displayed remarkable durability, never missing a game due to injury. By the conclusion of his senior year, he had appeared in 48 consecutive games, starting every one of them. His performance in the trenches helped pave the way for running back Pooka Williams Jr. to achieve back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons during Adeniji’s junior and senior years. His stellar play earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors as a junior and First-team All-Big 12 recognition as a senior.
Adeniji showcased his talents at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, where NFL analysts evaluated his potential at the professional level. Despite playing tackle throughout his college career, some analysts suggested he might need to transition to guard in the NFL. Nevertheless, his collegiate success and versatility made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
Hakeem Adeniji Career
Cincinnati Bengals (2020–2022)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Hakeem Adeniji with the 180th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He joined a Bengals team that was rebuilding its roster and seeking offensive line depth. Adeniji saw limited action early in his rookie season but earned his first career start in Week 8 of the 2020 season. That performance proved significant, as the Bengals’ offensive line, which had allowed 28 sacks through the first seven games, surrendered zero sacks in that contest—the first time all season the unit achieved a clean sheet. Adeniji finished his rookie campaign with five starts across 15 games played.
The 2021 season presented significant challenges for Adeniji. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle during offseason workouts and underwent season-ending surgery in June. The injury forced the Bengals to place him on the reserve/non-football injury list following the preseason. Adeniji was activated on November 4, 2021, and returned to action in his first game back against the Cleveland Browns, marking his sixth career start. He appeared in nine games that season, including a start in the Bengals’ playoff victory over the Las Vegas Raiders—a win that ended Cincinnati’s 31-year playoff victory drought.
Adeniji entered the 2022 season as the backup right tackle behind La’el Collins on the Bengals’ depth chart, serving as the team’s swing tackle for situations requiring six offensive linemen. When Collins suffered a season-ending injury in Week 16 against the New England Patriots, Adeniji stepped into the starting right tackle role for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. He started the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Bengals’ offensive line faced a formidable Kansas City pass rush. The Bengals waived Adeniji on August 29, 2023.
Minnesota Vikings (2023)
Following his release from Cincinnati, Adeniji signed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on August 31, 2023. He remained on the practice squad for several weeks before earning a promotion to the active roster on October 5, 2023. With the Vikings, Adeniji provided offensive line depth at the tackle position throughout the remainder of the season.
Cleveland Browns (2024)
On March 13, 2024, Adeniji signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. He joined a Browns team with ambitions of contending in the AFC. However, his tenure with Cleveland was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on August 19, 2024, ending his season before it truly began.
Dallas Cowboys (2025–Present)
Adeniji joined his hometown team on April 18, 2025, when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The move brought the Texas native back to his home state and provided the Cowboys with experienced depth along their offensive line. He was released during the Cowboys’ final roster cuts but was re-signed to the team’s active roster on August 27, 2025, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his abilities and value to the unit.
Driving Style and Strengths
Adeniji has built his NFL career on consistency and versatility. His most notable attribute is his durability, demonstrated by his ability to start every game throughout his college career and his capacity to recover from significant injuries. As an offensive tackle, he possesses the length and footwork necessary to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. His experience as both a starter and a swing tackle provides value to any roster, as he can fill in at multiple positions along the offensive line when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Adeniji’s career trajectory. His Week 8 start in 2020 marked a turning point for a Bengals offensive line struggling with pass protection. His resilience in returning from a pectoral injury in 2021 and contributing to the Bengals’ historic playoff run that season represented a significant personal and professional milestone. Playing a starting role in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs placed him on the sport’s biggest stage.
Hakeem Adeniji Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Adeniji has accumulated significant experience across multiple organizations. His most impactful performances came during the 2021 season when he helped anchor the Bengals’ offensive line during their run to the AFC Championship Game. The playoff victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in that postseason marked a historic achievement for the franchise, ending a three-decade drought without a playoff win.
Professional Career Statistics
As of the 2025 season, Adeniji has appeared in 55 NFL games with 16 starts across his five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys. His versatility and durability have allowed him to contribute in various roles, from starting tackle to swing tackle off the bench.
College Achievements
At Kansas, Adeniji was a four-year starter who never missed a game due to injury. His 48 consecutive starts and consistent performance helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his final two college seasons. His First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2019 represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career.
Hakeem Adeniji Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Hakeem Adeniji married his longtime fiancé Kayla in June 2021. The couple shared a deeply personal tragedy in November 2024 when they announced via Instagram that their first son, Semiu Zade Adeniji, was stillborn on November 2, 2024. Adeniji publicly shared his grief and reflections on social media, describing the profound loss he and his wife were experiencing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a new chapter for Adeniji with the Dallas Cowboys. After joining his hometown team in April and being re-signed in late August following roster cuts, he entered the season providing valuable depth at the offensive tackle position. The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a focal point of their roster construction, and Adeniji’s experience starting 16 games across his career makes him a reliable option if called upon. His journey through four teams in five seasons demonstrates his resilience and ability to adapt to different locker rooms and coaching philosophies. As the season progresses, Adeniji will look to contribute to a Cowboys team with playoff aspirations while continuing to establish himself as a reliable NFL offensive lineman.