Hakim Akbar

Infobox Gridiron football person alt
Name =Hakim Akbar
team =Retired


ImageWidth =
Caption =
status =
import =
position1 =Linebacker
position2 =Safety
number =28, 29, 47, 53
College =Washington
DateOfBirth =birth date and age|1980|8|11
Birthplace =Riverside, California
DateOfDeath =
Deathplace =
Height_ft =6
Height_in =0
Weight_lbs =225
CFLRookieYear =2006
NFLDraftedYear =2001
NFLDraftedRound =5
NFLDraftedPick =163
administrating_years =
administrating_teams =
coaching_years =
coaching_teams =
playing_years =2001 - 2006
playing_teams =
* New England Patriots (2001)
* Houston Texans (2002)*
* St. Louis Rams (2002)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003)*
* Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-2004)*
* Calgary Stampeders (2006)*:*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
career_highlights =
* 2001 Rose Bowl champion
* Super Bowl XXXVI champion
AFLAllIronmanTeam =
CFLAllStar =
ProBowls =
Awards =
Honors =
* 1998 First-team Freshman All-American
* 1999 Second-team All-Pac-10
Retired #s =
Records =
AFL =
ArenaFan =
CFL =
NFL =AKB059326
CFHOF =
CollegeHOF =
PFHOF =
PFHOFYear =

Akmal Hakim Akbar (born August 11, 1980 in Riverside, California) is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League and Canadian Football League. He was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.

Akbar earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been a member of the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Calgary Stampeders.

Early years

Akbar was born the son of Kenneth and Rasheeda Akbar on August 11, 1980 in Riverside, California. Akbar attended Riverside Polytechnic High, where he was selected All-CIF, all-county and all-league pick while registering 91 tackles, with six interceptions, three fumble recoveries and seven forced fumbles as a senior. He also received eight votes in "Long Beach Press Telegram’s" ‘Best in the West’ poll and was named to the "Tacoma News Tribune’s" ‘Western 100’ team. He was rated the eighth-best defensive back in the Western Region by Prep Star.

College career

Akbar was a three-year letterman at the University of Washington. Akbar played in 33 games, including 26 consecutive starts at safety. He proved to be a versatile player, starting at both strong and free safety. In his college career he recorded 225 tackles (123 solos) with eight tackles for losses. He also had four interceptions for a total of 52 yards. He also recorded five fumble recoveries and forced two fumbles. He played a major role in the 2000 Huskies 11-1 season and #3 overall ranking by "Associated Press" and ESPN/"USA Today".

While at Washington, Akbar majored in Construction Management.

Freshman (1998)

As a freshman in 1998, Akbar was a first-team All-American selection by "The Sporting News", while adding honorable mention from "Football News". He played in all 11 games at free safety, starting the final four games of the season. He ranked third on the team with 59tackles (36 solos). He intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and caused another. He recorded his first career interception in the second game of the season against BYU. He is credited with 10 tackles against Nebraska. He registered five tackles and caused a fumble against Utah State. Akbar started the first game of his career against USC and recorded five tackles. Akbar recovered a fumble and registered five tackles against Oregon. He followed up with a season-high 15 tackles against UCLA. He added 7 tackles (6 solos) in the season finale versus Washington State. He came off the bench to lead the team with 11 tackles (9 solos), including one for a loss, against Air Force in the Oahu Bowl.

ophomore (1999)

As a sophomore in 1999, Akbar was a second-team All-Pac 10 selection. He was named team Co-Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year by KOMO 1000 AM. He was switched to strong safety before the start of season and started all 11 games. Akbar finished fourth on the team with 69 tackles (33 solos), including three for loss a total of -9 yards. He intercepted a pass for a 4-yard return and deflected six others. He forced and recovered a pair of fumbles. He also had one quarterback pressure.

Akbar posted six tackles (4 solos), including one for a seven-yard loss, causing a fumble which he recovered. He also pressured the opposing quarterback into throwing an interception and deflected a pass in the season opener versus BYU. He recorded a season-high 16 tackles (8 solos), including one for a loss against Air Force. He continued his double-digit tackle streak with 10 against both Colorado and Oregon. He is credited with seven tackles against Arizona State. He recorded eight tackles, including one tackle for a loss against Stanford. He recorded an interception in 33-25 victory over Arizona. Akbar ended the season with seven tackles (5 solos) in the Holiday Bowl against Kansas State.

Junior (2000)

As a junior in 2000, Akbar was an first-team All-American selection by the NFL Draft Report and CNNSI, as well as an honorable mention selection from "College Football News". He was also a first-team All-Pac-10 selection. He led the team with 97 tackles (54 solos), including five for losses. He intercepted two passes for 31 yards and deflected six others. He also recovered two fumbles.

Akbar lined up at strong safety for the first eight games before shifting to free safety when teammate and friend Curtis Williams suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury. After Williams' injury, Akbar considered quitting football. [cite web |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004150765_webrbakbar28.html |title=Safety Hakim Akbar: "I tried to play with no fear" |accessdate=2008-03-10 |author=Nick Perry and Ken Armstrong |date=January 29, 2008 |work=Seattle Times |publisher=SeattleTimes.NWSource.com] He recorded double-digit tackles in four games during the season and also set a career-high with 19 tackles against Oregon State. It was the highest single-game total since John Fiala collected 22 tackles in 1996.

He was named the Huskies defensive MVP by the coaches in the season opener versus Idaho with six tackles (3 solos), an interception and a fumble recovery. Akbar had seven tackles in 34-29 victory over the University of Miami, who only lost once during the season. Akbar recorded 14 tackles (7 solos), including four for losses against Oregon. Akbar then collected a career-high 19 tackles and was named defensive MVP by the coaches for the game against Oregon State. Akbar intercepted a pass, returning it 31 yards to set up a touchdown and recorded seven tackles (5 solos) in 21-15 win over Arizona State. He also helped to spark a 23-point fourth quarter rally as he recovered a fumble that set up a touchdown in a 36-24 victory over California. He was credited with 10 tackles (6 solos) against Stanford. He followed that game up with another 10 tackles against Arizona. Akbar registered eight solo tackles and deflected two passes as the Huskies won their sixth straight game, 35-28 over UCLA. He accumulated nine tackles as the Huskies clinched a berth in the Rose Bowl with a 51-3 victory over Washington State. He ended his career with nine tackles and caused a fumble in the fourth quarter to set up a touchdown that put the game out of reach in a 34-24 victory against Purdue in the Rose Bowl.

Career statistics

Professional career

Akbar chose to forgo his senior season and enter the 2001 NFL Draft. Before the draft, Akbar was scouted and he ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. [cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/nfldraft/players/99002.html |title=Hakim Akbar | S | Washington | Pacific-10 Conference |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=CNNSI.com] He was a second-day selection, taken in the fifth round (163rd overall) by the New England Patriots.

New England Patriots

After being drafted by the Patriots, Akbar signed two-year contract worth close $600,000 and includes a signing bonus worth close to $75,000. He was released by the team in March 2002.

Akbar played on special teams in six games for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Akbar recorded five tackles for the season. He made his NFL debut in Miami. He played special teams and recorded two tackles against the San Diego Chargers. Akbar recorded one tackle on special teams in Atlanta. [cite web |url=http://www.stampeders.com/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=7877&writer=0 |title=STAMPS ADD NFL EXPERIENCE |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=Stampeders.com]

Car accident

In November 2001, Akbar suffered a spinal injury and nearly died. He was driving home, after socializing with teammates. He says he fell asleep at the wheel and woke up to find he was speeding down the interstate, going at least 80 mph. Akbar's Escalade went off the road. Akbar, who wasn't wearing a seat belt, resulting in him being thrown through the sunroof. As a result of the accident, Akbar suffered three fractured vertebrae, broken ribs and an injured hip and shoulder. Due to his injuries he spent a month in the hospital, eating through an IV. Police said alcohol wasn't involved, however Akbar was charged with driving with the intent to endanger, among other offenses.

Due to the severity of his injuries, a doctor told Akbar he wouldn't play football again. However, three months after the accident, Akbar was once again working out, preparing to make his way back. Although he didn't play in the Super Bowl, the Patriots presented him with a ring. [cite web |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004150765_webrbakbar28.html |title=Safety Hakim Akbar: "I tried to play with no fear" |accessdate=2008-03-10 |author=Nick Perry and Ken Armstrong |date=January 29, 2008 |work=Seattle Times |publisher=SeattleTimes.NWSource.com]

Houston Texans

On March 26, 2002, Akbar was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. However, on September 2, 2002, Akbar was released. [cite web |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Transactions2000_2002.asp |title=2000-2002 Transactions |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=HoustonTexans.com]

t. Louis Rams

Akbar was signed by the St. Louis Rams on November 5, 2002. [cite web |url=http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/08280005 |title=Hakim Akbar |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=JT-SW.com] He played in four games for the Rams, playing on special teams. He finished the season with two special teams tackles. He made his Rams debut and collected a special teams tackle at Philadelphia. [cite web |url=http://www.stampeders.com/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=7877&writer=0 |title=STAMPS ADD NFL EXPERIENCE |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=Stampeders.com]

He was waived by the team on August 31, 2003.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On December 11, 2003, Akbar was signed to the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but only spent five days there before being signed to the active roster of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jacksonville Jaguars

He then spent the final two weeks of the season on the inactive list after being signed off the Tampa Bay practice squad on December 16, 2003 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. [cite web |url=http://www.stampeders.com/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=7877&writer=0 |title=STAMPS ADD NFL EXPERIENCE |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=Stampeders.com]

In 2004, he was allocated to NFL Europe. He was released by the Jaguars on September 7, 2004 [cite web |url=http://www.stampeders.com/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=7877&writer=0 |title=STAMPS ADD NFL EXPERIENCE |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=Stampeders.com] .

It was the last time he was a member of an NFL team.

Calgary Stampeders

On April 26, 2006, Akbar was signed to the practice squad of the Calgary Stampeders. [cite web |url=http://www.stampeders.com/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=7877&writer=0 |title=STAMPS ADD NFL EXPERIENCE |accessdate=2008-03-10 |format=HTML |work=Stampeders.com] Akbar wasn't ablt to play very much during the Stampeders pre-season due to a hamstring injury. [ [http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=8706&writer=0 AKBAR'S READY TO 'THUMP' LEOS] By Jean LeFebvre, Calgary Herald] Due to being slowed by the hamstring injuries, Akbar didn't win the starting linebacker position. [ [http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=669 Rookie beats Anthony and Akbar to the punch By Dan Toth, Calgary Sun] The Stampeders released Akbar on October 14, 2006. [ [http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=12602&writer=0 USC product has rubbed elbows with celebrities "Grid Notes"] ]

Career statistics

:*Offseason and/or practice squad member only

References

External links

* [http://www.patriots.com/alumni/index.cfm?ac=alumnibiosdetail&bio=11308 New England Patriots bio]
* [http://gohuskies.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/akbar_hakim00.html Washington Huskies bio]
* [http://football.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5611 Jacksonville Jaguars player Card] at ESPN.com
* [http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5611 Profile] at Yahoo! Sports
* [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/players/5611/ Jacksonville Jaguars profile] at SI.com
* [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/nfldraft/players/99002.html Draft profile at CNNSI.com]
* [http://www.footballdb.com/players/hakim-akbar-akbarha01 Player page at Football Database]
* [http://cfl.scout.com/a.z?s=195&p=8&c=1&nid=2568322 Calgary Stampeders profile at Scout.com]
* [http://cfl.scout.com/a.z?s=195&p=8&c=1&nid=274984 Houston Texans profile at Scout.com]