The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets 27-21 on Monday Night Football, but the celebration got cut short when Tyreek Hill dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments including his ACL. The 31-year-old receiver went down in the third quarter, got carted off, and underwent major surgery three days later.
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Most players disappear after season-ending injuries. Hill rolled up to the facility before his stitches even healed. Head coach Mike McDaniel had something planned that nobody saw coming.
Tyreek Hill Pulls a Move, Crashes Dolphins Meeting 4 Days After Knee Surgery
McDaniel set the whole thing up without telling his roster. Hill walked into the team meeting Thursday morning while Miami prepared for their Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The coaching staff knew. The players had no clue until Hillappeared.
🎥 Mike McDaniel revealed Tyreek Hill was in team meetings today: “Tyreek was in the building today. He came into the team meeting and made sure that the guys were continuing to stay motivated.” (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/kCZGCnIus8
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 3, 2025
McDaniel called it a real moment, saying the energy was already high but Hill’s entrance took it to another level. The coach joked that Hill even misses team meetings and that the rest of the roster should feel lucky. Hill wanted his teammates to know he missed them despite just coming off the operating table.
Sixth-round receiver Malik Washington is stepping into Hill’s starting role opposite Jaylen Waddle. Washington has caught eight passes for 47 yards this season but has shown his explosiveness on special teams.
He averaged 32.0 yards on three punt returns, including a 74-yard touchdown against New England. The young receiver said seeing Hill so positive after the injury meant everything to the locker room
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick backed that sentiment, noting that having Hill in the building and wanting to be around the team carries massive weight. Hill got hospitalized overnight after the injury while doctors ran tests, underwent surgery Tuesday, and showed up Thursday ready to lift his teammates.
The surgery went well according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, who told ESPN that Hill won’t need additional procedures and plans to play in 2026.
McDaniel made sure to remind everyone that Hill chose to be there. The receiver could have stayed home to recover, but he wanted to be present for his team heading into a crucial season stretch. It was an act of dedication that did not go unnoticed by NFL fans.
NFL Fans Geek Out Over Tyreek Hill Showing Up Off the Charts
Fans flooded social media after word spread about Hill’s surprise appearance. One supporterwrote, “Love cheetah for this.”
The second fanadded, “Gotta love the way he’s trying to be a part of the team still.” The appreciation for Hill staying engaged with Miami despite his season being over resonated across the fanbase.
A thirdpointed out the obvious double standard, noting, “And people still hate on this man.” Hill has faced criticism throughout his career, but showing up four days post-surgery earned him respect even from skeptics.
The timing couldn’t be better for Miami. The Dolphins are 2-2 after rebounding from a 0-2 start, and they need Washington and the rest of the receiving corps to step up fast.
Hill’s presence in the meeting room sent a clear message about what championship teams look like in the face of adversity. The receiver might be done for 2025, but he is making sure his teammates know he is still fully committed.