Tyreek says run-in with police somewhat motivated him to play through injury: ‘Something to prove’

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill shared that his run-in with police prior to the team’s Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars somewhat motivated him to play through injury in the 2024 season.

Hill hasn’t enjoyed a very smooth season, but he has battled through it.

“I have a certain standard that I want to set for my family and that standard is to never quit, never back down no matter what you’re going through in life because adversity hits us all,” Hill said.

The Dolphins wide receiver said that he’s playing through a torn ligament in his wrist, but that he’s “played through worse.”

“My mindset is like ‘suck it up, wait til the end of season and continue to battle with my brothers’ because you never know when it’s going to end,” Hill said.

It is impressive that Hill has been able to fight through the injury to play for the Dolphins in every game so far this season, but he has seen his production drop off from previous seasons.

“Sucks not being able to play the way that I wanted to play,” Hill said.

Hill, who could still eventually undergo surgery, talked about being somewhat “motivated” to play through injury following the incident with police.

“I felt like I had something to prove,” he said.

In each of his first two seasons with Miami, Hill finished with over 1,700 receiving yards. Last season, he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns and receiving yards. It’s been a much different story for the star receiver in the 2024 campaign, partially because quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed four games due to a concussion. Still, Hill isn’t making any excuses.

“Everybody is hurting so that’s not an excuse,” Hill said of his health. “If I drop a pass, that’s on me. No excuses.”

Hill has 70 catches for 834 yards and six scores in the 2024 season. He is averaging just 55.6 yards per game – his fewest since his rookie season.

Unless he finishes the regular season with a bang, there’s a chance Hill will fail to clear the 1,000-yard mark in the 2024 season.

The Dolphins have a 7-8 record this season heading into their Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns. Miami can still make the playoffs, but it needs to win both of its remaining games this season to even have a chance. The team is also looking to avoid finishing under .500 for the first time in the Mike McDaniel era.

Hill will look to turn in a strong performance against the Browns on Sunday on the road.