Akmal Hakim Akbar (born August 11, 1980) is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (163rd overall) 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 St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, 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 School, where he was selected All-California Interscholastic Federation (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, he majored in Construction Management.
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 59 tackles (36 solo).
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. He finished fourth on the team with 69 tackles (33 solo), including three tackles-for-loss. He recorded one interception and deflected six others. He forced and recovered two fumbles. He also had one quarterback pressure.
As a junior in 2000, Akbar was a 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 solo), 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. 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 recorded 22 tackles in 1996.
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. 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 included 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 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. He recorded one tackle on special teams in Atlanta.