Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Responds to Tyreek Hill’s Claims About Leaving the Field During the Fourth Quarter of Miami’s Loss to the Jets in Season Finale

The fallout from the Dolphins’ season finale loss to the Jets continues as Coach Mike McDaniel responded to Tyreek Hill’s comments about his exit during the fourth quarter.

Hill, who has dealt with a wrist injury for much of the season, suggested that he was “dealing with a little issue” when he left the field in the final period.

However, McDaniel has a different perspective on the situation, claiming Hill chose to step away from the game at a critical moment.

McDaniel’s Take on Hill’s Departure

McDaniel clarified the situation after the Dolphins’ 32-20 loss, explaining that he was informed of Hill’s unavailability just before a drive.

However, he was not told that Hill was dealing with a new injury.

The coach emphasized his focus on the players who were still on the field and competing, trying to win the game with the slim chance of making it to the postseason.

McDaniel said he didn’t have time to investigate further because he was preoccupied with the ongoing game.

Hill’s Business Decision

Tyreek Hill, on the other hand, hinted that he made a personal decision to sit out after seeing the Broncos dominating the Chiefs.

“You look up at the scoreboard, and the Chiefs are down to the Broncos, and it’s like, OK,” Hill explained, suggesting that the outcome was already decided and that he was thinking about his future.

His comments hinted that he may have been making a calculated choice for his own well-being and career, rather than pushing through the final quarter of a lost game.

Hill’s Departure Announcement

In an emotional postgame interview, Hill declared that he was “out” of Miami, speaking about his time with the Dolphins in the past tense.

He stated that he had to prioritize what was best for him and his family, leaving the door open for a potential departure from the team.

“It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, bro, I got to do what’s best for my career,” Hill said.

His cryptic statement stirred up speculation about his future, and he followed up on social media with a heartfelt message thanking the Dolphins’ fans.

The Antonio Brown Comparison

Hill’s social media activity didn’t help to settle the tension.

He updated his profile picture on X to a mock-up of himself with the body of former NFL receiver Antonio Brown, who notoriously left the field mid-game against the Jets in 2022.

This move sparked further speculation about Hill’s intentions and his relationship with the Dolphins.

McDaniel Takes a Calm Approach

Despite Hill’s provocative statements and social media activity, McDaniel didn’t seem too concerned.

He shrugged off Hill’s postgame comments, suggesting he wasn’t going to “put too much weight on second-hand, postgame disappointment statements.”

The coach indicated that further conversations would take place over the coming days to better understand the situation.

Hill’s Season and Future

Hill wrapped up the season with 939 receiving yards, falling short of 1,000 yards for the first time since 2019.

The Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also missed six games due to injury, which likely played a role in Hill’s underwhelming season.

The 30-year-old receiver is under contract with the Dolphins until 2026, after signing a restructured three-year, $90 million deal before the 2024 season.

Now, the question remains: what’s next for Hill and the Dolphins?

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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