As the Miami Dolphins kick off their organized team activities, Tyreek Hill isn’t taking his role on the team for granted. After a rocky end to the 2024 season — marked by frustration, self-removal from a game, and public comments about possibly leaving Miami — Hill is fully aware of the perception surrounding him.
“I’ve got to prove myself,” Hill admitted after a recent OTA session. “This OTAs, training camp — I’ve got to show up different. The mindset’s got to be different.”
Hill, who has served as a team captain each of his first three seasons with the Dolphins, said he wouldn’t expect his teammates to vote him captain again this year. “If I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t dwell on it,” he said. “I put myself in that position.”
Recovering From Injury, Resetting His Focus
Coming off two wrist procedures — including surgery on his right wrist to repair ligament damage — Hill was seen wearing heavy tape during practice but remains optimistic about his recovery.
“I’m in a better spot than last year,” Hill said. “Zero pain.”
He skipped 7-on-7 drills during the open OTA session but participated in individual workouts and cheered on his teammates. Coaches are confident he’ll be fully back in time for training camp.
Coach Mike McDaniel praised Hill’s proactive approach: “Tyreek’s done a great job… making sure he can do as much as he can with the team.”
Leaner, Focused, and Ready to Chase Records
Hill has slimmed down significantly, now weighing 183 pounds — a drop from around 197 when he first joined the Dolphins. The lighter frame, he says, is all about endurance and performance.
“Having that endurance, having the ability to not get tired on third downs — that’s very important,” Hill explained. “So I wanted to slim down and lose body fat.”
His goal? Reaching 2,000 yards receiving — something he nearly achieved in 2023 with a league-leading 1,799 yards. That season, he also led the NFL in yards per game (112.4) and touchdowns (13). But 2024 was a far cry from that, with just 959 yards — his lowest since 2019.
Off-Field Struggles and Personal Growth
Off the field, Hill has faced his share of challenges — from rumors of a potential sprinting race with Olympic star Noah Lyles to a highly publicized domestic dispute with his wife, who has since filed for divorce.
Through it all, Hill says he’s leaned into therapy and church to stay grounded.
“It’s tough, man,” he said. “But at the same time, I’ve got to understand what I’m trying to accomplish and what this team is trying to accomplish too. Because I want to be a part of something special. I want to win.”
A Legacy Still Being Written
Tyreek Hill knows the narrative around him has shifted. But rather than fight it, he’s embracing the challenge head-on.
Whether it’s through leadership, performance, or personal accountability, Hill is determined to remind everyone why he’s one of the most explosive players in the league.
He may not be guaranteed a captain title this year — but he’s more focused on being the kind of leader who earns respect through action, not just words.