The Garland ISD athletics program boasts numerous student-athletes who have gone on to play for professional sports teams. This Sunday, Feb. 13, we’ll be watching former Garland Owl standout Hakeem Adeniji (GHS class of 2016} play in Super Bowl LVI for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Garland High School
Photos by Roger Mathis, www.mempics.com
While at Garland High School, he played defensive end and offensive tackle. In addition to serving as team captain as a senior, Adeniji (No. 79) was selected for the all-district team in his junior and senior years. He participated in multiple sports and lettered in football, basketball and track and field. The Dallas Morning News also selected him for their All-Area Top 100 list.
GHS Head Football Coach Danny Russell had only praise for Adenigi as an athlete, student and teammate.
“He was a great teammate. Never too high or low, he definitely cared about those around him,” Russell said. “He excelled everywhere whether it was in the classroom or on the field—whatever he was doing he was going to put out his best effort.”
Russell added that he always thought Adeniji had a chance to move on to the pros considering his intelligence, work ethic and physical attributes. He also has a great disposition.
“He’s one the most positive people that I know,” Russell said. “He has a huge smile and is always quick to give it to you or a hug as well.”
Kansus University
Adeniji committed to play football at the Air Force Academy but was denied entry because of an allergy. Instead, he played football at the University of Kansas where he received numerous accolades. A few of those include: Selected for the AP All-Big 12 first team in 2019 and second team in 2018; was on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll two times and three times on the KU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. He graduated with a degree in management and leadership in 2019.
Cincinnati Bengals
Adeniji was selected in the 2020 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was selected in the sixth round, 180th overall. As a rookie in 2020, he played in 15 games and had five starts.
Russell coached Adeniji’s brother, Moshood, at Garland HS. He went on to play football at the Air Force Academy from 2010-2013. Their parents are Joke and Semia Adeniji,
“Their mother was very involved in her children’s lives and constantly pushed them to do their best and be good citizens,” Russell said. “This is a wonderful family and a wonderful group of alumni for the Owls.”
Super Bowl LVI, Sunday, Feb. 13 – Los Angels Rams at Cincinnati Bengals.
Note: Other athletes from the Dallas area who will be playing in this Sunday’s Super Bowl are:
- Bobby Evans, Allen HS
- Justin Hollins, Arlington Martin HS
- Bobby Brown, Arlington Lamar HS
- Von Miller, DeSoto HS
- Joseph Noteboom, Plano HS
- Matthew Stafford, Highland Park HS