Hakeem Adeniji’s NFL run has apparently come to an early end.
The former Kansas offensive tackle, who was a first-team All-Big 12 pick in 2019 and a starter on the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2022 AFC championship team, was placed on the Baltimore Ravens’ reserve/retired list on Aug. 2 during training camp. He is 28.
Adeniji had just signed a one-year deal with Baltimore on July 25 after a workout, then was moved to the retired list eight days later. The Ravens’ move lets the team keep his contractual rights if he eventually decides to return.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter called it a “personal decision” and did not offer any additional explanation. Adeniji has not responded to a request for comment from The Star through his Instagram account.
A 6-foot-4, 300-pound native of Garland, Texas, Adeniji was drafted by the Bengals in the sixth round in 2020. He spent three seasons in Cincinnati and started in Super Bowl LVI.
Over six NFL seasons, he also spent time with Minnesota, Cleveland and Dallas, a career that was interrupted by injuries. He missed the entire 2024 season with the Browns after a preseason knee injury that required surgery.
“He’s smart, he’s physical, he plays with great athleticism and power,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said of Adeniji.
Even with the abrupt turn in Baltimore, Adeniji’s football résumé remains a strong one. Brian Hradsky of the Maryland Sports Blog noted that while he was not expected to compete for a starting job, his versatility made him a useful veteran option. “Offensive line depth is one of the most important assets during an NFL season, especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.”
At Kansas, Adeniji was a four-year starter from 2016 through 2019 and played in 48 games, starting all 48. He helped running back Pooka Williams put together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Before Senior Day in 2019, Adeniji summed up his KU experience this way: “I’ve loved it,” Adeniji said of his KU career prior to his Senior Day in 2019. “It’s been nothing short of a blessing.
Coach (Les) Miles, just the person he is and coach he is, I’ve learned so much from him. … If I could, I’d come back and play another four years.
So many brothers that I met on this team and so many things I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I’m not going to take one second of it for granted.”
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