Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa acknowledges that his relationship with wide receiver Tyreek Hill remains a “work in progress” following Hill’s public statement that he wanted out of the franchise after the 2024 season. Hill’s declaration has complicated their dynamic, requiring a substantial effort to repair the trust between them as Hill rebuilds trust with Dolphins teammates and staff.

When you say something like that, you don’t just come back from that with, ‘Hey, my bad,’

Tagovailoa said during a Wednesday press conference.

You gotta work that relationship up. You got to build everything up again.

And yeah, it’s still a work in progress, not just for me, but for everybody. But, like I said, he’s working on himself.

Context Behind Hill’s Controversial Comments and Team Performance

The Dolphins failed to reach the playoffs this season for the first time under head coach Mike McDaniel after their Week 18 loss to the New York Jets. Following that defeat, Hill expressed frustration in a postgame interview, bluntly stating,

I’m out, bruh. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for my career.

Hill later clarified that his comment stemmed from frustration and insisted he still intended to remain with the Dolphins. Despite his assertions, the remarks sparked unease within the team and prompted intensified scrutiny of his commitment.

Efforts Toward Building Stronger Connections Off the Field

Tagovailoa revealed that Hill has become more transparent with the team during the offseason, opening up about matters beyond football. This newfound openness is viewed as a necessary step toward fostering genuine relationships within the squad.

I think that’s the first step to him building true relationships, and a real connection with a lot of the guys in there,

Tagovailoa explained.

Everyone knows what he can do on the field. Everyone respects what he can do on the field. But I think he’s still trying to figure things out for himself at right, kind of the man he wants to be.

He’s not too young. Everybody makes mistakes. It’s just, some people, they’re in the spotlight, and their deals get pushed out more than some others. So, just got to cut him some grace. I mean, that’s our teammate. You know, we love him, but as a person, if you get to know him, I think you’d love him to.

Season-End Incident and Team Discipline

Hill did not finish the Week 18 game against the Jets, a decision later acknowledged by McDaniel as unrelated to injury. Hill reportedly left the game after seeing that the Denver Broncos were securing the last AFC Wild Card spot by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs.

McDaniel addressed this on multiple occasions, emphasizing that such behavior would not be accepted in the future.

It’s not acceptable to leave the game and it won’t be tolerated in the future.

Public Apologies and Indications of Regret

Hill admitted in a January livestream that his frustration arose from the team‘s struggles, contrasting with his history of constant winning. He expressed that the Dolphins franchise needed to improve significantly. Subsequently, during a February interview with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams show, Hill made a public apology directed at Tagovailoa.

Tua, he’s my guy. Always will be my guy, no matter what,

Hill said.

I’m sure he understands my frustration. We all want to win.

When asked about apologizing to the team, Hill replied,

Yeah. But they already know that, though. They know I’m not that kind of player.

Road Ahead for Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins

While Hill has expressed regret, Tagovailoa’s recent remarks suggest that the process of fully regaining trust within the locker room and with the quarterback is ongoing. Hill is in the second season of a restructured contract worth $90 million, including $65 million guaranteed, under contract through 2026 and set to enter free agency ahead of the 2027 season.

This situation highlights the challenges teams face balancing star talent with team cohesion and accountability. How effectively Hill can rebuild trust with the Dolphins will significantly impact the team’s culture and performance as they pursue playoff success in upcoming seasons.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is Tyreek Hill so fast?

A. Over time, the wide receiver had a daughter named Capri with his former wife, Keeta Vaccaro. He also has three children with his ex-fiancée, Crystal Espinal. These include a son named Zev and twins. Additionally, Hill is said to have more children from past relationships.