Tyreek Hill, the star wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, was handcuffed and placed on the ground outside Hard Rock Stadium after being stopped for speeding and reckless driving on Sunday morning before the team’s first game of the season. The incident puzzled Hill and led to one of the involved police officers being placed on administrative leave.
The officer, whose identity remains unknown, was among at least three who detained Hill. Fans on their way to the game witnessed the event and shared videos that quickly circulated on social media.
Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels announced that an internal affairs investigation is underway.
Following the game, Hill commented on the officer’s leave, saying, “That should tell you everything you need to know.”
Miami-Dade Police are reviewing the situation after Hill’s detention. Defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who briefly intervened and was also handcuffed, stated, “That makes sense based on the situation.”
Hill expressed confusion about the police’s actions, saying, “I had no idea why police placed me in handcuffs.” He maintained that he was respectful during the encounter, adding, “I didn’t cuss. Didn’t do none of that. I’m still trying to figure it out, man.”
On the field, Hill shone during the game, catching seven passes for 130 yards and scoring an 80-yard touchdown that contributed to Miami’s 20-17 comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In celebration, he mimicked being handcuffed.
Hill emphasized that he did not want to leverage his celebrity status to escape the situation, questioning what might have happened had he not been a well-known NFL player. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done,” he said, recalling advice from his uncle to comply during tense situations.
Director Daniels has requested an “immediate review” of the incident and has committed to investigating the available body camera footage.
Hill stated that the rapid nature of events left him startled and appreciated his teammates’ support. Campbell, who witnessed Hill’s arrest while entering the stadium, claimed he only intended to de-escalate what he perceived as excessive force but ended up being handcuffed himself.
After the incident, Hill communicated with his family before the game commenced. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” expressing concern over the escalation that led to Hill’s detention. He added, “I’m deeply concerned by that… Tyreek is OK physically, but mentally he was very distraught.”
The NFL has noted its communication with the Dolphins regarding the incident, but has refrained from providing further comments.