Lirim Hajrullahu

Lirim Hajrullahu was born in Gjilan to father Nijazi Hajrullahu and mother Tevide.{{Cite news|last=Martin, Melissa |url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/life-precious-life-263591991.html |title=Life, precious life: Bombers kicker, and former refugee, treasures it for many reasons |work=Winnipeg Free Press |date=June 18, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905013050/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/life-precious-life-263591991.html |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=August 8, 2014 }} He is of Kosovo Albanian descent.{{Cite news|url=http://www.winnipegsun.com/2014/10/06/blue-bombers-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-took-a-long-hard-road-to-the-cfl |last=Penton, Kirk |title=Blue Bombers kicker Lirim Hajrullahu took a long, hard road to the CFL |work=Winnipeg Sun |date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905012842/http://www.winnipegsun.com/2014/10/06/blue-bombers-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-took-a-long-hard-road-to-the-cfl

|archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=December 5, 2016}} His father had been a professor at the University of Sarajevo.{{cite news|url=https://ottawasun.com/sports/football/cfl/life-and-death-ticats-kicker-lirim-hajrullahus-family-left-war-torn-kosovo-for-canada |last=Baines, Tim |title=Life and Death: Ticats kicker Lirim Hajrullahu's family left war-torn Kosovo for Canada |work=Ottawa Sun |date=November 23, 2019 |accessdate=May 10, 2021}} Lirim is a middle child, and has an older sister Lume and a younger sister Linda.

As a child growing up in Gjilan, he played soccer during and after school, which is where he learned to kick. He went to Governor Simcoe Secondary School in St. Catharines and graduated in 2009.https://govsimcoe.dsbn.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/student-services/governor-simcoe-grade-eight-open-house.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}

On May 27, 1999, the family immigrated to Canada. They landed in CFB Trenton and spent two weeks at the base{{clarify|date=December 2021}} before moving to Kingston, Ontario where they spent two months of their summer.{{cite book |url=http://www.ambasada-ks.net/ca/inc/images/SURESHORES.pdf |title=Sure Shores: Kosovo Stories In Canada |last=Kelmendi, Fiona |publisher=Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Canada |location=Ottawa, Ontario |date=June 2017 |pages=44–45 |access-date=2021-05-11 |archive-date=2021-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150315/http://www.ambasada-ks.net/ca/inc/images/SURESHORES.pdf |url-status=dead }} They received classes on the English language, and Hajrullahu received a bicycle through donations.

Due to the lack of soccer infrastructure in his town, he also picked up playing basketball and volleyball. Hajrullahu credits sports as "a gateway to communicate with other Canadians" which helped him learn English. He had friends trying out for the football team in grade 9,{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/70088/2017/06/24/why-bmo-field-is-the-perfect-home-for-argos-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu/ |last=Alter, David |title=Why BMO Field is 'the perfect home' for Argos kicker Lirim Hajrullahu |work=The Athletic |date=June 24, 2017 |accessdate=May 20, 2021}} while Hajrullahu took up soccer. In the school hallways, he caught the attention of football coach D'Arcy McCardle who "was struck by the student's big frame and thick legs."{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2016/02/16/new-argonauts-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-stepping-into-big-shoes.html |last=Rush, Curtis |title=New Argonauts kicker Lirim Hajrullahu stepping into big shoes |work=Toronto Star |date=February 16, 2016 |accessdate=May 20, 2021}} McCardle approached him to play on the football team but Harjullahu felt the sport was too dangerous and brushed him off. After a year of insistence, McCardle told him to try out on the first day of school in grade 10 and if Hajrullahu didn't like it then he wouldn't bother him again.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/hajrullahu-signs-with-nfls-rams/ |title=Hajrullahu signs with NFL's Rams |last=Puchalski, Bernie |work=BPSportsNiagara.com |date=April 15, 2020 |accessdate=May 20, 2021}} "I went out for one practice and I fell in love with the game," explained Hajrullahu. He played right tackle when he was in grade 11, and played as a linebacker, offensive lineman and kicker in grade 12.

Hajrullahu attended the University of Western Ontario's School of Kinesiology, receiving his bachelor's degree in sports management in 2013 and his master's degree in management and leadership in 2015. He attended Niagara University – Ontario where he received his MBA in finance in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2017/07/19/tmi-lirim-hajrullahu-makes-teammates-smile/|title=TMI: How Lirim Hajrullahu makes his teammates smile|date=July 19, 2017}}

Hajrullahu's secondary school football coach D'Arcy McCardle mentioned him to Western Mustangs football coach Greg Marshall during the recruiting process when the two discussed kickers. Hajrullahu received scholarship opportunities from across Canada and narrowed his choice down between Western and Queen's University, choosing the former.{{cite web|url=https://thespringleague.com/?p=6034 |title=South Division Player of The Week: Lirim Hajrullahu |work=TheSpringLeague.com |date=May 12, 2021 |accessdate=May 20, 2021}}

He credits his kicking talents from persistently kicking the ball, stating "In university, I'd kick from after school until after you couldn't see the light anymore, three or four hours. As a young punter and kicker, you have to develop power and muscle memory."{{Cite news|url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/ticats/2018/05/29/new-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-is-the-triple-threat-football-weapon-for-ticats.html|title=New kicker Lirim Hajrullahu is the triple threat football 'weapon' for Ticats|newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator|date=May 29, 2018|via=www.thespec.com}}

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{{MedalSport|Men's American football}}

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{{MedalCompetition|World Championship}}

{{MedalSilver|2011 Austria|Team Competition}}

{{MedalCompetition|Junior World Championship}}

{{MedalSilver|2009 Ohio|Team Competition}}

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In 2009, Hajrullahu was selected as part of the Canada national junior football team,{{cite web |url=http://footballcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TeamCanada2009.pdf |title=2009 Canadian National Junior Team |publisher=Football Canada |access-date=2021-05-13 |archive-date=2021-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513003356/http://footballcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TeamCanada2009.pdf |url-status=dead }} which competed at the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio. Canada beat New Zealand on June 27 to advance to the semi-finals, and beat Japan on July 1 to reach the finals. Canada secured the silver medal after losing to the United States on July 5.{{cite news|url=https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/sports/high_school/team-usa-wins-football-s-first-junior-world-championship/article_eed0d207-52c6-5c96-b064-2ae0834adb9f.html |title=Team USA wins football's first junior world championship |work=Rome News-Tribune |date=July 6, 2009 |accessdate=May 13, 2021}}

In 2011, Hajrullahu was selected as part of the Canada national football team,{{cite web |url=http://footballcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Alumni-Sr.-Mens-NT.pdf |title=2011 Canadian National Men's Senior Team |publisher=Football Canada |access-date=2021-05-13 |archive-date=2021-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513003355/http://footballcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Alumni-Sr.-Mens-NT.pdf |url-status=dead }} which competed at the 2011 IFAF World Championship in Austria. Canada won the Group 2 round-robin stage after beating France on July 9,{{cite web|url=http://footballcanada.com/canada-overpowers-france-45-10-in-opening-game-of-the-swc/ |title=Canada Overpowers France 45–10 in Opening Game of the SWC |publisher=Football Canada |date=July 9, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2021}} Austria on July 11,{{cite web|url=http://footballcanada.com/canada-holds-off-austria-to-win-36-14/ |title=Canada Holds Off Austria to Win 36–14 |publisher=Football Canada |date=July 12, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2021}} and Japan on July 13 to advance to the finals.{{cite web|url=http://footballcanada.com/canada-wins-a-thriller-against-japan-to-set-gold-medal-matchup-against-usa/ |title=Canada Wins a Thriller Against Japan to Set Gold Medal Matchup Against USA |publisher=Football Canada |date=July 13, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2021}} Canada secured the silver medal after losing to the United States on July 16.{{cite web |url=http://footballcanada.com/le-canada-remporte-la-medaille-dargent-au-championnat-du-monde-senior-2011-de-lifaf/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625120703/http://footballcanada.com/le-canada-remporte-la-medaille-dargent-au-championnat-du-monde-senior-2011-de-lifaf/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |title=Canada Wins Silver at the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship |publisher=Football Canada |date=July 16, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2021 }}

File:August 14th - Winnipeg vs Toronto (20640779311).jpg

On January 17, 2014, Hajrullahu was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL).{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Lirim Hajrullahu signs with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers |url=http://www.westernmustangs.ca/news/2014/1/17/FB_0117140525.aspx?path=football |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905013049/http://www.westernmustangs.ca/news/2014/1/17/FB_0117140525.aspx?path=football |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |work=WesternMustangs.ca}} On November 5, Hajrullahu was announced as the winner of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber's Most Outstanding Canadian, Most Outstanding Special Teams, and Most Outstanding Rookie awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2014/11/05/awards-season-2014-team-awards-announced/|title=Awards Season: 2014 team awards announced|date=November 5, 2014}} On November 13, he won the West Division's Most Outstanding Special Teams Award.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bluebombers.com/2014/11/13/hajrullahu-named-west-divisions-most-outstanding-special-teams-player/ |title=Hajrullahu Named West Division's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player |publisher=bluebombers.com |date=November 13, 2014 |accessdate=May 20, 2021}}

Hajrullahu became a free agent on February 9, 2016, and signed with the Toronto Argonauts that same day.{{Cite web |date=9 February 2016 |title=Argos sign Canadian kicker Hajrullahu |url=https://www.argonauts.ca/2016/02/09/argos-sign-canadian-kicker-hajrullhau/ |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=Argonauts.ca}}

In the 2016 season, he became the first player to score points in the first regular-season CFL game at BMO Field on June 23. He scored the first CFL points for both a visiting team and the Argonauts. He conceded a safety to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, then later kicked a field goal for the Argos. Hamilton won the game, 40–23.{{Cite web |title=2016-06-23 Game Tracker – Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Toronto Argonauts (2276) |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/2276/ |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=CFL.ca}} On November 2, Hajrullahu was announced as the winner of the Toronto Argonaut's Most Outstanding Canadian and Most Outstanding Special Teams awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2016/11/02/2016-cfl-team-award-winners-revealed/|title=2016 CFL Team Award winners revealed|date=November 2, 2016}} On November 9, Hajrullahu was named as part of the East Division's All-Star team.{{Cite web|url=https://press.cfl.ca/2016-cfl-divisional-all-stars-announced|title=2016 CFL DIVISIONAL ALL-STARS ANNOUNCED|website=press.cfl.ca}}

On January 11, 2017, Hajrullahu signed a contract extension with the team for the 2017 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/argonauts-sign-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-contract-extension/ |title=Argonauts sign kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to contract extension |work=Sportsnet |agency=The Canadian Press |date=January 11, 2017 |accessdate=May 21, 2021}} On November 26, Hajrullahu kicked the game-winning field goal to secure a win in the 105th Grey Cup for Toronto at TD Place Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Hajrullahu's field goal earns Argos stunning Grey Cup win over Stampeders |url=https://www.iheartradio.ca/big-dog-100-9/news/hajrullahu-s-field-goal-earns-argos-stunning-grey-cup-win-over-stampeders-1.3465685 |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=www.iheartradio.ca |language=en-CA}} He had gone into the championship game mourning the death of his younger cousin who had died in a car crash in Kosovo in the days leading up to Hajrullahu's big game.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/163688/2017/11/22/argonauts-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-mourns-cousin-who-always-took-care-of-family/ |title=Argonauts kicker Lirim Hajrullahu mourns cousin who 'always took care' of family |work=The Athletic |date=November 23, 2017 |accessdate=May 20, 2021}}

On February 13, 2018, Hajrullahu signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.{{Cite news |date=2018-02-13 |title=Ticats sign Canadian K/P Lirim Hajrullahu – CFL.ca |language=en-US |work=CFL.ca |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/02/13/ticats-sign-canadian-kp-lirim-hajrullahu/ |access-date=2018-07-10}}

During the 2018 season, Hajrullahu converted 85% of his field goals, while the Ti-Cats advanced in the playoffs to the East final before being eliminated. Despite receiving NFL interest, including a workout with the Seattle Seahawks, Hajrullahu took his time in choosing a team for 2019; he eventually signed a 2-year contract to return to Hamilton after six weeks of free agency.{{Cite web |last=Dunk |first=Justin |date=April 1, 2019 |title=Ticats bring kicker Lirim Hajrullahu back – 3DownNation |url=https://3downnation.com/2019/04/01/ticats-bring-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-back/ |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=3DownNation}}{{Cite web |date=1 April 2019 |title=Lirim Hajrullahu signs two-year deal with Ticats |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/04/01/lirim-hajrullahu-re-signs-ticats/ |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=Canadian Football League}}

On November 6, 2019, Hajrullahu was named as part of the East Division's All-Star team.{{Cite web|url=https://press.cfl.ca/2019-cfl-division-all-stars-announced|title=2019 CFL DIVISION ALL-STARS ANNOUNCED|website=press.cfl.ca}} While he would have been in the option year of his contract following the 2019 season, the NFL did not allow its teams to sign CFL players entering these option years.{{Cite web |last=Naylor |first=Dave |date=December 5, 2019 |title=Players stuck in limbo with NFL window issues unresolved |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-payers-stuck-in-limbo-with-nfl-window-issues-unresolved-1.1408559 |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=TSN}} After there was still no resolution to this issue, the Tiger-Cats released Hajrullahu on January 9, 2020, to allow him to pursue NFL opportunities.{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Ticats release Hajrullahu to pursue NFL opportunities |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/09/ticats-release-hajrullahu-pursue-nfl-opportunities/ |access-date=2020-09-01 |publisher=Canadian Football League}}

On April 13, 2020, Hajrullahu signed a contract with the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL).{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2020 |title=Rams agree to terms with kickers Austin MacGinnis and Lirim Hajrullahu |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-agree-to-terms-kickers-austin-macginnis-lirim-hajrullahu |access-date=2020-09-01 |website=therams.com}} It was exactly a day short of 21 years, when on April 14, 1999, Hajrullahu and his family were forced out of their village due to the Kosovo War.{{cite news|url=https://westerngazette.ca/sports/mustang-alumn-and-new-nfl-kicker-recounts-childhood-as-refugee/article_e7eade82-8f0a-11ea-9652-d3a4b8b3e16d.html |title=Mustang alumn and new NFL kicker recounts childhood as refugee |work=UWO Gazette |date=May 9, 2020 |accessdate=May 12, 2021}} Hajrullahu received interest from five teams at the NFL combine in March in Arizona, which he had been attending every year since his days playing for Winnipeg.{{cite web|url=https://lfpress.com/sports/local-sports/nfl-hajrullahu |title=Ex-Western Mustangs kicker-punter Lirim Hajrullahu gets his NFL chance |last=Vanderhoeven, Paul |date=April 15, 2020 |accessdate=May 22, 2021}}

He was waived on September 4, 2020, after losing the kicker job to rookie Sam Sloman.{{cite web|title=Rams waive 17 players ahead of 53-man roster deadline|url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-waive-17-players-ahead-of-53-man-roster-deadline|website=TheRams.com|date=September 4, 2020}} Although there was no preseason and training camp practices were closed to the general public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that he "was the victim of NFL politics", despite Hajrullahu having been the best statistical kicker during practices, with Sloman sharing the same alma mater (Miami University), as Rams head coach Sean McVay.{{cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2020/09/04/los-angeles-rams-release-canadian-lirim-hajrullahu-despite-being-best-statistical-kicker-in-training-camp/ |title=Los Angeles Rams release Canadian Lirim Hajrullahu despite being best statistical kicker in training camp |website=3DownNation.com |date=4 September 2020 |accessdate=May 11, 2021}}

In November 2020, Hajrullahu signed with the Generals of The Spring League (TSL) and played in their inaugural fall season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2020/11/06/the-spring-league-week-2-recap/ |title=The Spring League Week 2 Recap |website=BGMSportsTrax.com |date=6 November 2020 |accessdate=12 May 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2020/11/12/the-spring-league-week-3-recap-jousters-forfeit-and-general-roll-over-blues/ |title=The Spring League Week 3 Recap: Jousters forfeit and General roll over Blues |website=BGMSportsTrax.com |date=12 November 2020 |accessdate=12 May 2021}}

On December 9, 2020, Hajrullahu was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad,{{cite news |author=Gantt, Darin |title=Week 14 Wednesday Injury Report: Christian McCaffrey limited by quad injury |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/christian-mccaffrey-limited-by-thigh-injury |website=Panthers.com |date=December 9, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2021}} but was released six days later due to a work visa problem.{{cite news |author=Crabtree, Curtis |title=Panthers to waive kicker Lirim Hajrullahu due to work visa issues |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/12/14/panthers-to-waive-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-due-to-work-visa-issues/ |website=NBCSports.com |date=December 15, 2020 |access-date=February 1, 2021}}{{cite tweet |user=Pantherstatsguy |author=Bryan, Will |title=#Panthers have released K Lirim Hajrullahu and signed LB Chris Orr back to practice squad. Also activated DT Bruce Hector from practice squad/COVID-19 list. |number=1338941772437786624 |date=December 15, 2020 |access-date=February 1, 2021}} He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on January 4, 2021.{{cite web|title=Panthers sign 14 players to reserve future contracts for 2021|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-sign-14-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-for-2021|author=Bryan, Will|website=Panthers.com|date=January 4, 2021}} He was waived on March 22.{{cite news |author=Williams, Charean |title=Panthers waiving Lirim Hajrullahu |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/22/panthers-waiving-lirim-hajrullahu/ |website=NBCSports.com |date=March 22, 2021 |access-date=March 22, 2021}}

Hajrullahu returned to the Generals for The Spring League's 2021 season. On May 8, he went 5-for-5 in field goals in the first game, including the longest field goal of his career at 59 yards.{{cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2021/05/08/canadian-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-makes-59-yard-field-goal-in-the-spring-league/ |title=Video: Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu makes 59-yard field goal in The Spring League |website=3DownNation.com |date=8 May 2021 |accessdate=11 May 2021}} It was the TSL's television debut on Fox,{{cite web|url=https://nflsapient.com/2021/05/11/spring-league-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-on-path-to-nfl/ |title=Spring League Kicker, Lirim Hajrullahu, on His Own Path to NFL |last=Vogel, John |date=May 11, 2021 |accessdate=May 22, 2021}} and Hajrullahu set a new league record for longest field goal, tied the single-game record for fields goals, and was named the South Division Player of the Week.{{cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2021/05/09/canadian-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-named-the-spring-league-player-of-the-week/ |title=Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu named The Spring League Player of the Week |website=3DownNation.com |date=9 May 2021 |accessdate=11 May 2021}}

On August 18, 2021, Hajrullahu signed with the Dallas Cowboys after the team released punter and emergency kicker Hunter Niswander, who had been filling in at placekicker for an injured Greg Zuerlein. He spent five days in training camp and was released on August 24, 2021. He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 14. He was released from the practice squad on September 21.

He was re-signed on November 10.{{cite web|title=Cowboys sign kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to the practice squad|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/11/10/cowboys-sign-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-to-the-practice-squad/|author=Williams, Charean|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=November 10, 2021}} In Week 10, he replaced Zuerlein, after he tested positive for COVID-19, making all five of his extra points and did not attempt a single field goal against the Atlanta Falcons. He was released on November 23.

On December 11, 2021, Hajrullahu was signed to the Washington Football Team's practice squad.{{cite web|title=Washington places Wes Schweitzer on Injured Reserve amid multiple roster moves|url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/washington-places-wes-schweitzer-on-injured-reserve-amid-multiple-roster-moves|website=WashingtonFootball.com|date=December 11, 2021|access-date=December 12, 2021|archive-date=December 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212072523/https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/washington-places-wes-schweitzer-on-injured-reserve-amid-multiple-roster-moves|url-status=dead}}

On December 22, 2021, following the injury of Zane Gonzalez in pre-game warmups in Week 15, the Panthers signed Hajrullahu off Washington's practice squad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/gm-report/panthers-sign-new-kicker-to-replace-the-injured-zane-gonzalez|title=Panthers Sign New Kicker to Replace the Injured Zane Gonzalez|first=Schuyler|last=Callihan|website=Sports Illustrated Carolina Panthers News, Analysis and More|date=22 December 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/22/panthers-sign-k-lirim-hajrullahu/|title=Panthers to sign K Lirim Hajrullahu|date=December 22, 2021}} He played in the last 3 games of the season, making 4 of 5 field goal attempts and 3 of 3 extra point attempts. He was waived on May 4, 2022.{{cite web|title=Panthers waive kicker Lirim Hajrullahu|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-waive-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu|author=Gantt, Darin|website=Panthers.com|date=May 4, 2022}}

On July 1, 2022, he was signed by the Cowboys to compete for the starting job with rookie Jonathan Garibay.{{cite web|title=Cowboys sign kicker Lirim Hajrullahu for summer competition|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2022/07/01/cowboys-sign-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-for-summer-competition/|author=Gehlken, Michael|website=Dallasnews.com|date=July 1, 2022|access-date=August 23, 2022}} On August 9, 2022, Garibay was waived and the Cowboys signed free agent Brett Maher to compete with Hajrullahu.{{cite web|title=Cowboys Waiving Garibay; Brett Maher To Sign |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-waiving-garibay-brett-maher-to-sign|author=Phillips, Rob|website=dallascowboys.com|date=August 9, 2022|access-date=August 23, 2022}} On August 23, 2022, he was released after losing the kicking battle to Maher.{{cite web|title=Cowboys Cut Kicker; Roster Trimmed Down to 80 |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-to-cut-kicker-as-they-trim-roster-to-80|author=Eatman, Nick|website=dallascowboys.com|date=August 23, 2022|access-date=August 23, 2022}}

Hajrullahu signed with the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL) on May 17, 2023.{{cite tweet |user=USFLStars |title=Free Agent Signing |number=1659031054794076162 |date=May 17, 2023 |access-date=May 18, 2023}} The Stars folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Newly formed United Football League sets 8 markets, tabs coaches |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/39222541/newly-formed-united-football-league-sets-8-markets-tabs-coaches |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}

File:111th Grey Cup, Toronto Argonauts vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8).jpg.]]

On February 5, 2024, it was announced that Hajrullahu had signed with the Argonauts, replacing the incumbent, Boris Bede, who was released the same day.{{cite web|title=Argonauts welcome back two-time all-star kicker Lirim Hajrullahu |url=https://www.argonauts.ca/2024/02/05/argonauts-welcome-back-two-time-all-star-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu/ |publisher=Toronto Argonauts |date=February 5, 2024}} He notably kicked eight field goals in a game against the Montreal Alouettes on September 8, 2024, which tied a league record with three other players.{{cite web|url=https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024-CFL-League-Statistics-Week-21-1.pdf |title=2024 CFL statistics |publisher=Canadian Football League |access-date=November 22, 2024}} Hajrullahu played in all 18 regular season games where he was successful on 55 of 61 field goal attempts and 35 of 37 convert attempts. He also tied the Argonauts' franchise record for field goals in a season with Lance Chomyc and also had the third-best single season success rate in Argonauts' history at 90.2%. He also played in all three post-season games, including the 111th Grey Cup where he made all four field goal attempts and all four convert attempts in the Argonauts' 41–24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6486/winnipeg-blue%20bombers-vs-toronto-argonauts/#playbyplay |title=Play-by-Play, 111th Grey Cup |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=November 17, 2024}}

Hajrullahu is married to Deniza Januzi.{{cite book |url=http://www.ambasada-ks.net/ca/inc/images/SURESHORES.pdf |title=Sure Shores: Kosovo Stories In Canada |last=Kelmendi, Fiona |publisher=Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Canada |location=Ottawa, Ontario |date=June 2017 |pages=46 |access-date=2021-05-11 |archive-date=2021-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150315/http://www.ambasada-ks.net/ca/inc/images/SURESHORES.pdf |url-status=dead }} The couple met while attending university, and married in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2017/12/1272844431/newly-crowned-grey-cup-winner-and-argonauts-kicker-lirim-hajrullahu-still-bleeds-mustang-purple|title=Newly crowned Grey Cup winner and Argonauts kicker Lirim Hajrullahu still bleeds Mustang purple|website=U SPORTS|date=8 December 2017 }} Deniza emigrated to Canada from Kosovo escaping war under similar circumstances as her husband. She graduated from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, receiving her undergraduate degree in Honours Business Administration and afterwards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Laurier University.

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{{Commons}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160210001416/http://www.argonauts.ca/players/lirim-hajrullahu/814873/ Toronto Argonauts bio]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20151005180534/http://www.bluebombers.com/roster/show/id/5845 Winnipeg Blue Bombers profile]
• [http://westernmustangs.ca/roster.aspx?rp_id=19765 Western Mustangs profile]
• [https://www.cfl.ca/players/lirim-hajrullahu/160189/ CFL Stats]

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Gjilan

Category:Sportspeople from St. Catharines

Category:Canadian football placekickers

Category:Yugoslav emigrants to Canada

Category:Canadian people of Kosovan descent

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Category:Kosovan players of Canadian football

Category:Players of Canadian football from Ontario

Category:Toronto Argonauts players

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