FRANKFURT, Germany — It was six years and six Pro Bowls for Tyreek Hill with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he was trying to downplay that uber-obvious storyline this week.
‘No emotions,’ Hill said of facing his former team as a member of the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Hill said he’s going to try to treat this week like any other. He said it’s just another opportunity to play the game he loves. He said both teams will just try to win the game.
Oddly for Hill, the opportunity for a homecoming at Arrowhead Stadium did not come to fruition.
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‘It doesn’t really matter where we play at,’ Hill said. ‘I mean, obviously, it would have been great to play in KC. But it really doesn’t matter where we play at. You feel me?’
Then Hill, the uber-confident MVP candidate, slipped in one bold remark.
‘They gon’ get this work, wherever, though,’ Hill said, smiling. ‘Y’all use that. Bulletin board material.’
Tyreek Hill’s revenge game against the Chiefs
Dolphins players and coaches suggested Hill has been his typical self this week.
On track to break a record with more than 2,000 receiving yards, Hill is focused on playing well and helping the team play well, they say.
‘I think his teammates are going to take it more personal for him then ultimately he will take it,’ Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. ‘One of the reasons he is able to have the production that he has, which is at a historic rate through eight games, is because of how fiercely competitive he approaches each week.’
Hill is one of the best players in the NFL. He wanted to be paid as such, which is a large reason why he requested the Chiefs allow him to explore alternative trade and contract options.
‘I’m kind of glad that it happened now and, like, I don’t even think about it now,’ Hill said of the trade. ‘Obviously, the situation is great. Great teammates. My family’s from Miami. So also, I accomplished one of my goals as being one of the highest paid in the league. So everything is great. Life is great,man.’
Tua Tagovailoa impressed by Tyreek Hill’s work ethic, leadership
Players describe Hill’s impact, on and off the field.
‘You think you’re a baller and a good player, then you meet someone like Tyreek who comes in,’ wide receiver Jaylen Waddle said. ‘He’s legendary, historic – y’all see that throughout the week. He just brings the team along, got high energy, brings it each and every week.’
‘I would say I didn’t know what to expect,’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. ‘I think as we all look at Tyreek’s film, we know one thing is for sure, is that he might be the fastest man alive as far as stepping foot on a football field and playing in pads. Outside of that, I think what really surprised me was who he was as a leader, his work ethic, and then how he takes ownership of what is asked of him.’
‘His confidence, his charisma, I think it’s just that ability to be mentally tough,’ fullback Alec Ingold said. ‘Like, I think that’s a skill in itself, too.’
Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith notes that he marvels at Hill’s commitment to maximizing his time. McDaniel adds Hill is a fierce competitor.
Hill didn’t let his guard down in a news conference that included German media this week. The one moment he did came when he said Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid didn’t call him back about the trade. Processing what had happened took a minute, Hill said.
‘It took some time, man,’ Hill said, in a reflective tone. ‘Yeah, it definitely took some time.’
Dolphins glad Tyreek Hill’s on their side now
Sunday represents an enormous opportunity for the Dolphins, who could use a landmark win against a Super Bowl contender.
The Dolphins will need to slow down Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback. But Mahomes no longer has Hill in his huddle.
‘I’m just happy he’s on my team now,’ said Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, who faced Hill as a member of the Chiefs.
Sunday’s international clash between two AFC powers could come down to a big play.
Hill is likely to be the best player on the field, for either team.
‘I mean he’s as Miami as it comes now,’ McDaniel said. ‘He’s on a new chapter and worried about being a captain for this team.”