Tyreek Hill does a handcuff celebration following touchdown; Dolphins star on situation: ‘I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me’
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill had a rollercoaster of a Sunday afternoon. Hours before the Dolphins were about to kick off Week 1 against the Jagaurs at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami-Dade County, Hill was detained by police for allegedly speeding and reckless driving and then released.
"They said I was speeding, reckless driving, or whatever," Hill said. "I wasn’t raised like that to namedrop. If you said I did something, write me a ticket and do whatever you have to do. But don’t be disrespectful."
The union representing the Miami-Dade police officers said in a statement that Hill was “uncooperative” and was only “redirected” to the ground while in handcuffs.
"It's hard. I don't want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do. What if I wasn't Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what those guys would have done,” said Hill postgame to reporters.
The All-Pro wide receiver played in the Dolphins’ season opener, recording a game-high 130 receiving yards, including an 80-yard touchdown—the longest of his career—in the Fins’ 20-17 win over the Jags.
Following the touchdown, Hill celebrated in the end zone with fellow receiver teammate Jaylen Waddle. Hill placed his hands behind his back while Waddle “detained” him.
Following the game, Hill was informed that Miami-Dade police released a statement from Director Stephanie V. Daniels, who initiated an "immediate review of all details surrounding the incident." Three hours later, Daniels announced that one of the officers involved was "placed on administrative duties while the investigation is conducted."
Hill responded to reporters by saying, "That should tell you everything you need to know, then. I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me in my situation because I felt alone. When they showed up, it made me realize that we have a f---ing good team this year for them to put their life on the line. It was amazing to see."
Hill wasn’t the only player detained at the time of the incident outside the stadium. Dolphins teammates Calais Campbell and former Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith stopped to try and support their teammate and help deescalate the situation. Unfortunately, that led to Campbell’s detainment as well.
"Disobeying a direct order," Campbell said when asked why officers told him he was being detained in addition to Hill. "He said I was too close to the scene, and then I think he said something about me not moving my car in time; I don't know... He told me I wasn't being arrested, but he cited me for being detained and then released."
Hill is a nine-year veteran who is a former Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs back in 2020. The speedy Hill agreed to a contract extension with the Dolphins for $90 million over the next three seasons with $65 million in guaranteed cash.
