Tyreek Hill isn't letting his injury intercept his positive attitude.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver was carted off the field during the third quarter of the Sept. 29 game against the New York Jets after being tackled out of bounds while catching a pass from his teammate. The injury was graphic, with his leg twisted underneath his body, and he was quickly taken to the hospital where, according to NBC Sports citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it was confirmed he had dislocated his knee and torn his ACL as well as other ligaments.
However, throughout the traumatic experience, Tyreek kept a smile on his face.
"He was probably in the best spirits of any player that I've ever seen [have] such a terrible experience," Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters after the game. "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."
And Miami did take the win, defeating the Jets 27-21. According to McDaniel, this energy has been consistent from the 31-year-old.
“We talked a lot about all the stuff that Tyreek has done this offseason,” he noted, “and a big portion is leading by example and connecting with his teammates, and he kind of utilized that connectivity to make sure that his team was finishing on the right end.”
Being a team player has made a world of difference for the organization, especially as they head into the season with their first win.
"I think it's giant," McDaniel said of his impact on the team, sharing that he was still joking with his teammates following the incident. "I think a lot of guys got back into the game, provoked by what he said verbally.”
He added, "He was inspiring in that situation, and I think his teammates benefited from that."
As for Tyreek, he shared a message to his fans before heading into surgery to repair his knee.
“Keep your boy in your prayers," he said in a Sept. 30 video posted to X after sharing the news of his impending procedure. "You guys have been awesome. Fans, nation, the whole entire NFL have been amazing, I know they're sending me lots of love, lots of prayers. I'm absolutely honored—granted the situation—but I love you guys so much and hope to see you soon."
For more of your favorite football players, read on.
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