The Miami Dolphins’ disappointing end to the season and their ongoing drama with wide receiver Tyreek Hill, took a dramatic turn on Thursday.
NFL fans on social media spotted what they believe to be the moment Hill quit on his team during Sunday’s Week 18 loss to the New York Jets.
Tyreek Hill had enough with Dolphins
A broadcast clip from the third quarter at MetLife Stadium appears to show Tyreek Hill removing himself from the game, opting not to return for the final 17 minutes of the season.
Related:
The Dolphins, who finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years, faced scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
But Hill, one of the team’s star players, has been under particular pressure.
This marked his first NFL season on a team that failed to qualify for the postseason, and his frustrations have been increasingly visible both on and off the field.
In the clip, Hill is seen on the sidelines talking with other Dolphins wide receivers during the second half, seemingly disengaged from the game.
Teammate Jaylen Waddle can be heard off-camera shouting, “Hey Cheetah, you done?” referencing Hill’s nickname.
The moment has fueled speculation that Hill intentionally distanced himself from the team amid growing tensions.
Postgame comments from Hill hinted at dissatisfaction with his situation in Miami, further fueling rumors of a potential departure.
However, Dolphins leadership has attempted to quell the speculation.
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel addressed the issue directly, stating they had a productive meeting with Hill to address the incident.
“Leaving the game is not acceptable, and it won’t be tolerated in the future,”McDaniel said.
“Tyreek embraced accountability, and we cleared the air in a constructive conversation.”
Despite the public attempts to mend fences, the fallout from Sunday’s game has left many wondering about Hill’s future with the team.
While the Dolphins restructured Hill’s contract last year, his substantial cap hits in the coming seasons could make any trade or release a challenging decision for Miami.
As one of the league’s top offensive talents, Hill remains vital to the Dolphins’ success.
However, whether he stays in Miami or seeks a fresh start elsewhere remains an open question heading into the offseason.