Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was involved in a police incident outside the team’s stadium on Sunday morning before their season opener. Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on the street after being stopped for speeding and reckless driving. The incident, which left Hill confused, led to a police officer being placed on administrative leave, according to Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels.
The altercation occurred in front of several fans, who captured the event on video as they arrived for the game. These clips quickly spread across social media. Daniels has launched an internal investigation into the officer’s actions, calling for a review of available body camera footage.
Hill expressed his confusion and frustration after the game, stating that he had not acted disrespectfully during the stop. “I had no idea why I was handcuffed,” Hill said, adding that he remained calm and followed instructions. Hill emphasized that he respects law enforcement and even desires to become an officer after his football career.
Hill’s teammate, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, was also briefly handcuffed after trying to intervene on Hill’s behalf. Campbell, a 17-year NFL veteran, stated that he saw what he believed to be excessive force and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
Despite the incident, Hill shone during the game, catching seven passes for 130 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown that helped Miami secure a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In celebration of the touchdown, Hill humorously mimicked being handcuffed.
Hill, who is Black, reflected on how the situation might have played out differently had he not been an NFL star. “I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy,” he said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what could have happened.”
His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called the incident “heartbreaking” and expressed concern about how the situation escalated. Rosenhaus emphasized that Hill was physically unharmed but deeply shaken by the experience.
The NFL has contacted the Dolphins regarding the situation, but the league has declined to comment further as the investigation continues.
