In the midst of the NFL preseason, [Dolphins](/nfl/team/_/name/mia/miami-dolphins) wide receiver Tyreek Hill is in the process of rebuilding his relationship with his teammates following comments made at the end of the 2024 season. Hill was absent from the last regular season game against the [New York Jets](/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets) and then expressed to reporters his desire to play elsewhere. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier clarified that Hill never requested a trade, and the player apologized and retracted his statements in February.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa commented that regaining trust is not a simple process, but Hill is working hard at it. “I’m not the only one who heard that. Many football fans, Miami Dolphins fans, and Tyreek’s fans, they all saw it. It’s not enough to say ‘I’m sorry.’ You have to work to rebuild that relationship,” Tagovailoa stated. Tagovailoa added that Hill is working on himself and improving his attitude. “He is focusing on the things he wants to be better at. I congratulate him for that,” he affirmed. Last season was complicated for the Dolphins and for Hill in particular. He experienced a decline in his performance, recording 959 yards and six touchdowns on 81 receptions, well below the consecutive 1,700-yard seasons he had in his first two years with the team. Miami failed to qualify for the playoffs, marking the first time Hill hasn’t participated in the postseason in his nine-year NFL career. The player explained that his comments were the product of frustration and apologized to Tagovailoa. Hill, a three-time team captain, mentioned that he will have to earn the captaincy again this year. Tagovailoa also highlighted Hill’s maturity. “There’s more vulnerability in Tyreek. He talks more with his teammates, not just about football, but about topics off the field,” he said. “I think that’s the first step in building genuine relationships and a true connection with many of the guys.” Linebacker [Jordyn Brooks](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4043130/jordyn-brooks) said he doesn’t think confidence in Hill has been lost, but that this is a crucial moment to strengthen relationships. Hill, for his part, told reporters that he will focus on football this season, setting aside other matters. “I’ve been working hard all preseason. I want to see what it’s like when I focus only on football, on myself and on my family. I feel like I haven’t given the best version of myself in my entire career. I want to see what that version is like,” he concluded.It’s not something simple, but Hill is striving to achieve it.
Tua Tagovailoa
