Khalil Shakir, born on February 3, 2000, is a professional American football wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
He played college football at Boise State, where he had a standout career, culminating in being drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, he recorded 10 receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown.
By 2023, Shakir emerged as a key target for quarterback Josh Allen, finishing the season with 611 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing significant growth in his role on the team.
Parents
Khalil’s parents are Attiyah Shakir and Ramona Tuamoheloa Shakir.
Attiyah, a former Master Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marines, instilled discipline in Khalil through his military background.
Ramona provided holistic guidance, emphasizing the importance of hard work and adaptability in football.
Their support has been pivotal in Khalil’s development as a player, with both parents actively involved in his football career from a young age.
Khalil also has two brothers, Tyreese and Attiyyah Jr., and a sister named Rahni.
Career
Shakir played college football at Boise State University from 2018 to 2021, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic wide receiver.
His versatility allowed him to take on various roles, including wide receiver, return specialist, and even running back on occasion.
In his freshman season in 2018, Shakir had a modest start, recording 25 receptions for 491 yards and three touchdowns.
His ability to stretch the field was evident, showcasing his speed and agility.
As he progressed into his sophomore year in 2019, he continued to improve significantly, posting 63 receptions for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted many college seasons during 2020, but Shakir still managed to shine with 52 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns in just seven games.
In his senior year of 2021, he had a breakout season, achieving career highs with 77 receptions for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns.
His performance earned him recognition as an All-Mountain West Conference First Team selection.
By the end of his college career, Shakir ranked fourth in Boise State history for receiving yards with a total of 2,878 and fifth in receptions with 208.
His impressive stats and skills garnered attention from NFL scouts due to his combination of speed, agility, and football IQ.
Shakir was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (148th overall).
The Bills were looking for depth at wide receiver to complement their high-powered offense led by quarterback Josh Allen.
In his rookie season, Shakir played in 15 games and recorded 10 receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown.
Although he faced competition from established receivers like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, he showed flashes of potential during limited opportunities.
In the 2023 season, Shakir took a significant step forward in his development.
With increased playing time due to injuries among teammates and his own growth as a player, he finished the season with impressive statistics: 45 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns.
His ability to run precise routes and create separation made him a valuable asset in the Bills’ offense.
As he developed chemistry with Josh Allen throughout the season, he became a reliable target in crucial situations, making key catches that helped secure victories in high-stakes games.
Khalil’s journey from Boise State to the NFL exemplifies hard work and perseverance.
