Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has addressed Tyreek Hill’s comments following Miami’s regular season finale loss to the Jets on Sunday, where Hill suggested that he was dealing with an issue during the fourth quarter.
McDaniel, however, took a different perspective, implying that Hill may have opted to sit out due to the game’s outcome and his own interests.
Tyreek Hill’s Injury Claim and McDaniel’s Response
Hill, who has struggled with a wrist injury throughout the season, did not play in the fourth quarter of the Dolphins’ 32-20 loss to New York.
With Miami needing a win and a Denver Broncos loss to sneak into the playoffs, Hill made a statement claiming that McDaniel had pulled him out of the game.
The coach, however, described the situation differently.
He explained that Hill was unavailable to play when he was informed before a drive but did not mention a new injury.
McDaniel’s focus was on the players on the field and trying to win the game.
“I was informed that he was unavailable right before a drive,” McDaniel said after the game.
“I was not informed that it was a new injury.
My focus was on the players on the field, and we were trying to win.”
Tyreek Hill’s Frustration and Decision to Move On
In a candid moment after the game, Hill expressed frustration with his situation.
Hill revealed that he had made a business decision based on the scoreboard, realizing that the Broncos were firmly in control of their game against the Chiefs, which left the Dolphins’ playoff hopes out of their hands.
He also indicated that he was considering his future with the Dolphins, saying, “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family.”
Hill further stated that he was “out” of Miami and spoke in past-tense terms about his time with the team.
“It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s best for my career,” Hill said.
He made it clear that his decision to leave was motivated by personal and professional concerns, expressing his desire to explore other opportunities.
Social Media Drama and Antonio Brown Reference
Shortly after his postgame comments, Hill took to social media to confirm his feelings, expressing his gratitude to the Dolphins but emphasizing that his future lay elsewhere.
He posted: “Love fin nation, blessing yall opened doors for the Hill family forever nothing but respect and love.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Hill also changed his profile picture on X (formerly Twitter) to a mock-up of his head on the body of former NFL receiver Antonio Brown, referencing Brown’s infamous exit from a game in 2022, when he removed his uniform and left the field.
Mike McDaniel Keeps His Focus on the Team
Despite Hill’s comments and the drama surrounding them, McDaniel seemed unbothered.
He downplayed the significance of Hill’s postgame remarks and said he would continue to focus on what matters most – the team.
“I’m not going to put too much weight on second-hand, postgame disappointment statements,” McDaniel said.
“We’ll see how the next couple of days progress in conversations with him.”
Hill’s Season Wraps Up with Mixed Results
Tyreek Hill finished the 2024 season with 939 receiving yards, failing to reach 1,000 yards for the first time since 2019.
This was partly due to Miami’s quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, missing six games due to injury.
Despite the dip in production, Hill remains under contract with the Dolphins until 2026 after restructuring his deal for three years and $90 million ahead of the 2024 season.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Hill and the Dolphins, with McDaniel’s next steps involving further conversations with his star receiver.
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