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). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 307 pounds, Adeniji has built his career on positional versatility, lining up at both tackle and guard since entering the league. He first gained national recognition as a four-year starter at the University of Kansas before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Across his professional tenure, he has also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns.
Early Life and Background
Hakeem Adeniji was born on December 8, 1997, in Garland, Texas, where he grew up and attended Garland High School. As a young athlete in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, he developed the size and skill set that would eventually project him as a college offensive line prospect. Beyond football, Adeniji was drawn to military service and initially committed to play at the United States Air Force Academy.
His path to the Academy, however, was cut short by a medical issue. Adeniji failed to receive a medical waiver to attend the institution because of an allergy to cashews, a disqualification that redirected his recruitment. After that setback, he reopened his commitment and signed with the University of Kansas, where he would go on to spend his entire college career as a starter on the offensive line.
Path to American Football
Adeniji’s transition to the University of Kansas gave him an immediate opportunity to compete. He stepped onto the field as a freshman and started all twelve games at tackle, signaling the durability that would define his career. Across four college seasons, he never missed a game due to injury, appearing in 48 contests and starting every one of them.
By his junior and senior years, Adeniji had become a foundational piece of the Kansas offense. He played a key role in helping running back Pooka Williams Jr. rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, earning recognition as a Second-team All-Big 12 Conference selection in 2018 and a First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2019. His reliability and production positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect, and he was invited to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, where analysts noted that he might transition to guard at the professional level.
Hakeem Adeniji Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Hakeem Adeniji with the 180th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. He made his first career start in Week 8 of his rookie season at tackle, helping the Bengals allow zero sacks in a game for the first time all year after surrendering 28 sacks in the previous seven contests. He finished his debut campaign with five starts across fifteen games played.
Adeniji’s 2021 season began with a setback when he tore his pectoral muscle during offseason workouts and underwent season-ending surgery in June 2021. He spent the early part of the year on the reserve/non-football injury list before being activated on November 4, 2021. Upon his return, he started against the Cleveland Browns and went on to play and start in nine games, including a postseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders that marked the Bengals’ first playoff win in 31 years.
Cincinnati Bengals Breakthrough (2022)
Adeniji entered the 2022 season as the backup right tackle behind La’el Collins, serving as the Bengals’ swing tackle in six-OL packages. When Collins was injured in the Week 16 game against the New England Patriots, Adeniji stepped into the starting right tackle role for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs.
He started the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Bengals’ offensive line faced a difficult test against defensive end Chris Jones. Despite the challenge, Adeniji’s performance helped Cincinnati reach the conference title game for a second straight year. The Bengals waived him on August 29, 2023, ending his initial NFL chapter.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023)
On August 31, 2023, Hakeem Adeniji signed with the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings. He impressed enough during his time with the practice squad to earn a promotion to the active roster on October 5, 2023, providing depth along the offensive line for the remainder of the season.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024)
Adeniji joined the Cleveland Browns on March 13, 2024, looking to add veteran depth to their offensive front. His season was interrupted, however, when he was placed on injured reserve on August 19, 2024, limiting his on-field contribution during the year.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2025–Present)
On April 18, 2025, Hakeem Adeniji signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He was released during final roster cuts, but the team re-signed him to the active roster on August 27, 2025, cementing his spot on the offensive line. His contract with Dallas runs through the 2026 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Adeniji is regarded for his positional flexibility, having played tackle throughout his college career and shifting between tackle and guard at the NFL level. His experience as a four-year starter at Kansas translated into above-average pass protection awareness, and his ability to step in at multiple spots has made him a reliable swing lineman throughout his career. Scouts have noted that his technique and football intelligence allow him to adapt quickly to different offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Adeniji’s first NFL start in Week 8 of the 2020 season, which produced a zero-sack game for the Bengals, stands as one of his earliest signature performances. He also started in Cincinnati’s first playoff victory in 31 years during the 2021 postseason and helped the Bengals reach the AFC Championship Game in 2022. His All-Big 12 honors in 2018 and 2019 remain his most decorated collegiate achievements.
Hakeem Adeniji Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hakeem Adeniji’s family background is rooted in Garland, Texas, where he was raised and attended high school. His commitment to the United States Air Force Academy reflected a family appreciation for service, and his eventual path to the NFL was shaped by his adaptability following the medical disqualification from the Academy.
Personal Life
Adeniji married his fiancée, Kayla, in June 2021. On November 4, 2024, the couple shared a statement via Instagram announcing that their first son, Semiu Zade Adeniji, had been stillborn on November 2, 2024. In a subsequent post on November 11, 2024, Adeniji wrote publicly about his grief and his enduring love for his son.
2025 Season Performance
Hakeem Adeniji entered the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys after signing in April and being re-signed to the active roster on August 27, 2025. With a contract that runs through 2026, he is expected to contribute depth along the offensive line and provide versatility at both tackle and guard for a Cowboys team looking to solidify its front five.
His previous experience starting in high-pressure postseason games for the Cincinnati Bengals, including the AFC Championship Game in 2022, gives him a track record of performing on big stages. That pedigree, combined with his ability to play multiple positions, makes him a valuable piece of the Cowboys’ offensive line rotation.
Adeniji’s outlook in Dallas will depend on his health and his ability to earn a consistent role within the team’s offensive scheme. Coming off an injury-shortened 2024 campaign with Cleveland, he will look to stay on the field and continue his reputation as a reliable, durable lineman built on the foundation of 48 consecutive college starts.