Still One of Them Ones? Tyreek Hill’s Quest to Reclaim His Role

Tyreek Hill: Always the Center of Attention

Tyreek Hill is generally the center of attention wherever he is, whether on or off the field. His time as a Dolphin has highlighted this to the extreme — from being arrested pregame, to forming a dynamic force with Jaylen Waddle, to quitting on his team, to dealing with allegations, to defending Tua (among other social media stories), to costly drops, and to whatever else has made headlines. But through it all, one thing remains true: Tyreek Hill is still one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL.

A Rough Ending and a Noisy Offseason

Last season, Hill said he would be open to leaving Miami and also decided to remove himself from the Dolphins’ Week 18 loss to the Jets left a bitter taste for many fans.

“Emotions were high, but at the end of the day, I’m just looking to move forward from that,” Hill said. “I’m hoping that I can prove to my teammates that I’m still one of them ones. Still chasing [2,000 yards], still chasing playoff dreams.”

His words, while measured, echo the reality that many in the locker room once viewed him as a leader — and that trust doesn’t rebuild itself. So far, he has done a good job, but this must continue even when times get challenging, both on and off the field.

Changing the Narrative

The 2024 offseason hasn’t helped. From Hill’s missteps to Jalen Ramsey’s off-field distractions, fans have grown weary. Some even want Hill traded. But to the surprise of many, Hill has taken a different tone.

“I gotta prove myself,” Hill admitted during OTAs. “This OTAs, training camp, I gotta prove myself. I gotta show up different. The mindset’s gotta be different. I don’t feel like I deserve [to be captain], and if I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t dwell on it, I wouldn’t sweat it, because I put myself in that position.”

Hill has taken the high road and acknowledging his missteps are essential to recementing himself as a leader on this team. His self-awareness and accountability are great signs, but once again they must continue.

A Slimmer, Sharper Tyreek

This version of Hill feels different — thinner, more self-aware, and seemingly humbled.

“I’m down from 197 pounds when I got here to 183. It’s something I wanted to do,” Hill explained. “Having that endurance is important. I’m committed to eating right and training hard… Obviously I can run with anyone, but I wanted to lose weight so I wouldn’t get tired on third downs.”

Last season Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for that matter saw themselves off the field on a lot of crucial downs. Part of this was due to the route concepts they were running and the lack of depth from the Dolphins receiver core. Hill and Waddle both gathered a lot of attention, and no one really stepped up for Miami to help support their dynamic duo. If Hill can commit to being an every down receiver even at his older age, this will just be another sign of him maturing and regaining trust of an entire city.

McDaniel’s Support

Head coach Mike McDaniel took notice of Hill’s commitment.

“Tyreek has done a great job of being proactive with when he got the surgery done and then making sure that he is able to do as much as he can with the team,” McDaniel said. “Whether he’s able to run routes and not block, quarterbacks have gotten used to him getting routes run… he’s been participating above and beyond. From whatever he can do, he has been doing.”

Mike McDaniel himself has to earn the respect of an entire locker room. Rumors of players being late to meetings and other internal issues have led some to question his leadership. So, for him to publicly acknowledge Tyreek Hill’s positive demeanor so far is a good sign. McDaniel must continue to evolve as a coach in this league and having veteran players support him and embody his standards is essential—especially as a younger coach.

Production Never in Doubt

Statistically, Hill remains elite. In 2023, he hauled in 119 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Even a “down” 2024 by his standards — 81 catches for 959 yards — still made him one of Miami’s most productive players. Hill will still be an essential factor in the success of Miami’s offense in 2025, but he has a long road to climb in regaining the trust of his peers.

More Than Stats: A Redemption Arc

But numbers don’t tell the whole story anymore. Hill has turned to therapy, church, and a more reflective outlook.

“I want to be part of something special. I want to win,” he said. “Every day I’m trying to prove myself as one of those guys that this team can depend on in crucial moments.”

It’s clear: Tyreek Hill is fighting for redemption in Miami — not just in stats, but in stature.

Waddle’s Moment — and Hill’s Responsibility

For me, this season is an important turning point — not just for Tyreek Hill, but for Jaylen Waddle. It’s time for Waddle to emerge as the true No. 1 receiver. This isn’t a knock on Tyreek. In fact, a fully engaged Tyreek Hill alongside a fully developed Jaylen Waddle could propel the Dolphins’ offense back to the top of the league.

But for Hill, this recent positive trend — the slimmer physique, the humbled tone, the accountability — must continue. It’s the only way he can truly regain the trust of his teammates and, just as importantly, the fans who once had his back.