During the UFL playoff game between the San Antonio Brahmas and St. Louis Battlehawks, coach Wade Phillips endorsed Battlehawks receiver Hakeem Butler, stating that he should be in the NFL. This endorsement comes as the Panthers are giving Butler a chance by inviting him for a workout, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Butler had an impressive season in the UFL, earning offensive player of the year honors after recording 45 receptions for 652 yards and five touchdowns. Despite being drafted by the Cardinals in 2019, Butler missed his entire rookie season due to a broken hand and never played a regular-season game for Arizona. His only regular-season NFL appearances were with the Eagles, where he didn’t catch a pass and saw limited playing time on offense and special teams.
However, with Phillips’ endorsement and the opportunity presented by the Panthers, Butler has a chance to prove himself in the NFL and make a name for himself in the league. His talent and potential have caught the attention of coaches and teams, and he now has the opportunity to showcase his skills at a higher level. It will be interesting to see how Butler performs during his workout with the Panthers and if he can secure a spot on an NFL roster in the near future.