Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill vows to show 'the best version' of himself this season
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — All offseason, Tyreek Hill has heard the clip of himself frustratingly declaring 'I'm out' on the Miami Dolphins after last season's disappointing finish.
The Dolphins star receiver doesn't feel that way anymore. He regrets making those comments. And he said among his goals this season is to reveal a version of himself — a more subdued, mature one — that he hasn't shown yet in his career.
'I literally heard that all offseason some kind of way on YouTube shorts because my kids stay on YouTube." Hill said Tuesday as Dolphins veterans reported to training camp. "And I'm like, 'I don't want to put that out there for my boys to see."
Hill has made headlines — good and bad — throughout his career. Last season's outburst that included taking himself out in the second half of Miami's regular-season finale against the New York Jets was an example of antics the All-Pro receiver said can't continue to happen.
He has since had talks with teammates and coach Mike McDaniel on how to be more of a leader moving forward, especially as he hopes to help the Dolphins deliver the playoff win that has eluded them for more than two decades.
'That's why this year, this whole entire offseason, I've been busting my tail,' Hill said. 'I told my dad, I said, 'I want to see what it looks like whenever I focus just on football, and I just focus on myself and family. Because I feel like I really haven't been giving the best version of me, of Tyreek, my whole entire career. ... I just want to see what that version of myself looks like. I'm looking forward to it.'
Hill is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro in 2024. He finished with 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns — his fewest receptions and yards since an injury-filled 2019 season when he played for Kansas City, and a steep drop-off from his NFL-leading 2023 season in which he caught 119 passes for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He said he's finding motivation for the upcoming season in a few places, such as family.
'My kids are Justin Jefferson fanatics,' Hill quipped. 'They really enjoy Justin Jefferson a lot. I was talking to my son on FaceTime last night, and his mom told me 'One of the kids came up to him and was like, 'You're Tyreek Hill's son?'' And he was like, 'No, Justin Jefferson's my dad.''
'We play jokes with each other,' Hill added, 'so I know it's in the spirit of just playing jokes and just having fun. That's what keeps me hungry, man. Just trying to continue to stay at the top, continuing to be a leader in my household for my kids.'
Hill has spent the offseason recovering from the wrist injury that limited him in 2024 and becoming more lean. His offseason training also included winning a 100-meter race in 10.15 seconds last month in California — a sign that he still possesses all of his trademark speed as he enters his 10th NFL season.
'Today was our conditioning test," Hill said, "and at 31 years old, I must say, I haven't lost a step.'
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
recommended
Item 1 of 3 in this topic
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nathaniel Hackett returns to Packers as defensive analyst
Who says you can't go home? Former Broncos head coach and Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is now back on staff with the Packers, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed in his Thursday press conference. Hackett will serve as a defensive analyst for the club, helping give coordinator Jeff Hafley a fresh perspective. It's a similar role to what Robert Saleh played for the offense when he joined the staff last year after being fired as Jets head coach. Luke Getsy also served as a defensive analyst last year after he'd been fired from his role as Raiders offensive coordinator. Getsy is now still on staff as a senior assistant. "He's a guy I really respect and we've had a lot of great times together," LaFleur said Thursday, via Zach Kruse of USA Today. 'It's a fresh perspective. It gives you a little different lens to see it through, talk it through," LaFleur added. "He's sitting in with our defensive staff. He's been in our linebacker room going through the film, giving them a good offensive perspective.' Hackett was the Packers' offensive coordinator under LaFleur from 2019-2021. He was then hired as Broncos head coach in 2022 and was fired after a 51-14 loss to the Rams on Christmas Day with two games remaining in the season. He then served as Jets offensive coordinator in 2023, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers. He lost play-calling duties after Saleh was fired as Jets head coach midway through the 2024 season.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bills RB James Cook makes stern announcement on contract negotiations
The Buffalo Bills and star running back James Cook have been at odds all offseason. Buffalo gave extensions to several star players, including Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford, Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and Josh Allen, but not to their two-time Pro Bowl running back. Despite not getting the deal he wanted, Cook still showed up to both mandatory mini-camp and training camp, but has remained loyal to himself when it comes to getting a deal done. 'I'm never going to give up," Cook said via Dan Fetes. "I deserve what I want.' Cook led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 16 in 2024, and had 21 total scores across the regular season and the playoffs. He is the best skill position player the Bills have, and they should do what it takes to make sure he's taken care of. While the star running back reportedly wants $15 million per year, it's a price worth paying, as he is arguably the key cog in Buffalo's offense outside of Allen. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsAppBills edge rusher punches teammate during training camp practice Bills WR Keon Coleman gets off to concerning start at training camp Watch: Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback nearly picks off Josh Allen Bills head coach Sean McDermott shares interesting opinion on Hard Knocks Bills head coach Sean McDermott gives positive update on James Cook contract dispute
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Eagles training camp practices
Philadelphia returned to the practice field on Thursday and completed a spirited and lively 88-minute session that saw Jalen Carter rest on back-to-back days with a shoulder injury. Jihaad Campbell participated in his second straight limited practice, while Vic Fangio's defense shuffled guys in and out, and as competition gets underway at several key spots. With the second session now complete, we're looking at takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Philadelphia Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Jalen Hurts was extremely sharp Hurts was 17-19 passing on the day, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks, and it continues the trend of the Eagles' star quarterback developing into an elite and efficient thrower of the football. Competition at cornerback continues The Eagles usually hold starters out of preseason games. Still, with just one joint practice schedule, Philadelphia could utilize those contests to pick a winner at the cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell. For the second straight day, Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson are getting first-team reps with Cooper DeJean mixing in. Eagles paid tribute to the Late Ozzy Osbourne. Tributes are pouring in from music legends and celebrities after the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the rock and heavy metal icon, at the age of 76. The Eagles did their part, playing Osbourne's music during the Second Day of training camp practice. Eagles injury report Jalen Carter and Kenyon Green missed their second straight practice to open up training camp. For Carter, it's about being healthy for the season opener. Green is battling for a roster spot and can't afford to get left behind. Quinyon Mitchell prepared to travel? We previously highlighted Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell potentially beginning to travel with the opposing team's best wide receiver after stating he's been getting his feet wet at both outside cornerback positions. That transformation has already started through the first two days of practice, with Mitchell getting snaps at both outside cornerback spots. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Takeaways from Day 2 of Eagles' training camp practice
