Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill ‘laughing through pain’ as he faces season-ending knee injury
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- Dolphins star Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending knee dislocation and multiple ligament tears during Monday’s victory over the Jets.
- Despite the gruesome injury reportedly requiring surgery Tuesday, Hill remained upbeat, telling teammates to “get this win” while being carted off.
- The eight-time Pro Bowl receiver was “laughing through the pain” and cheering for his team from the hospital Monday night.
Miami Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill had successful knee surgery and appears to have a realistic shot at returning for the start of next season, his agent said Tuesday afternoon.
Hill was injured after making a sideline catch during his team’s 27-21 win over the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football.” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game that Hill had dislocated his left knee and would remain hospitalized overnight for further testing.
Multiple media outlets reported Tuesday morning that Hill tore multiple ligaments in the knee, including his anterior cruciate ligament, and would undergo reconstructive surgery later that day.
McDaniel told reporters Tuesday afternoon that Hill’s injuries are season ending.
Hill posted an upbeat video message Tuesday morning on X (formerly Twitter).
“About to go in for this surgery,” said Hill, who spoke from a hospital bed. “Keep your boy in your prayers. You guys have been awesome, man. ‘Phins nation, just the whole entire NFL has been amazing, you know, sending me lots of love, lots of prayers. And I’m absolutely honored — granted the situation, but I love you guys so much. Hope to see you soon.”
Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, talked to WSVN-TV in Miami on Tuesday afternoon after his client got out of surgery.
“The surgery went well. All of the torn ligaments, the injuries went back into place naturally,” Rosenhaus said. “There’s no nerve damage, no blood flow issues, no broken bones. The cartilage is fine. The goal is for him to be ready to play next season.”
“Everything went as well as we could have hoped for. We’ll pray for Tyreek to have a speedy recovery. We know he’ll do a great job with his rehab, and the goal is for him to be back in and back to himself by the start of next season.”
Hill suffered the injury early in the third quarter when he caught a 10-yard pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa going out of bounds and was tackled by Jets rookie Malachi Moore. Hill’s knee was badly twisted and an air cast was placed over his leg.
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The eight-time Pro Bowl selection remained upbeat in the immediate aftermath of the injury, joking around with teammates and smiling and gesturing to the Miami crowd as he was carted off the field.
“He was probably in the best spirits of any player that I’ve ever seen [have] such a terrible experience,” McDaniel said. “He immediately had wide eyes and was talking, ‘I’m good, just make sure the guys get this win.’ He was focused on the team.”
In an interview from the hospital Monday night, Rosenhaus told WSVN that his client’s spirits remained high as he waited to undergo an MRI exam and CT scan to help determine the extent of the injury.
“I can’t tell you how impressed I am with his mental toughness, with his uplifting attitude,” Rosenhaus said. “He’s keeping a smile on his face, telling myself and his parents who are with me that he’s blessed to be in the position that he’s in. He was watching the game. He was cheering for his teammates. He was rooting the team on. He’s handling a very tough situation the very best that you can.”
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Former Dolphins offensive lineman Terron Armstead had a similar update about the speedy receiver nicknamed “Cheetah” on Monday night.
“I just got a FaceTime call from my brother @cheetah,” Armstead wrote on X. “First thing he said ‘man I’m just happy we got that win’!! He’s in good spirits and said he was laughing through the pain, to avoid passing out!! crazy! Praying for best news possible and speedy recovery!”
Hill spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning Super Bowl LIV with them after the 2019 season. After being traded to the Dolphins during the 2022 offseason, Hill finished second in the NFL with 1,710 yards receiving that season, then led the league with 1,799 yards receiving and 13 touchdown catches in 2023.
“Prayers up man…..,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote on X shortly after Hill’s injury.
