Tyreek Hill's 2024 NFL season got off to a much different start than anticipated.
The Dolphins star wide receiver was pulled over by Miami-Dade police officers for a driving violation as he tried to enter Hard Rock Stadium for Miami's season opener against the Jaguars.
He was temporarily placed in handcuffs but was eventually released. He was not formally arrested and no charges were filed, leaving him eligible to play in Week 1.
As he typically does, Hill made a major impact in the Dolphins' 20-17 win over Jacksonville. He finished with seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown, even poking fun at his pregame situation with a handcuff celebration in the end zone.
One of the police officers involved in the traffic stop was placed on administrative leave hours after the incident. On Monday, the Miami-Dade Police Department released the body camera footage. The video showed the police officers using unnecessary force on Hill, who stated that he recently had knee surgery that was unknown to the general public.
MORE TYREEK HILL: WR's comments | Week 1 stats | 'Handcuffs' TD celebration
Did Tyreek Hill have offseason knee surgery?
In the body camera footage from the traffic stop, Hill revealed that he had knee surgery that was never reported by news breakers or announced by the Dolphins.
"I just had surgery on my knee," Hill says twice as one officer forces him to sit on the sidewalk.
"You must've had surgery on your ears when we told you to keep your window down," the officer responds to Hill.
SLATER SCOOP: Tyreek Hill body-cam video from Miami-Dade Police. pic.twitter.com/aJvD4SamZk
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) September 9, 2024
It is not uncommon for athletes to have unannounced offseason surgery, especially if it does not affect their availability for the following season.
In his nine-year NFL career, Hill has never popped up on an official injury report with a knee issue.
The Dolphins star wide receiver did come up hobbling in a Week 14 matchup against the Titans last season, though.
Hill appeared to bang up his knee and missed the following game against the Jets, but he was listed on the injury report with an ankle sprain.
He returned after a one-game absence and played the rest of the season. Hill was not limited in any capacity during 2024 training camp and looked to be at full strength following the traffic stop in Week 1.
Check back for updates, as Hill is sure to address his comments about knee surgery following Dolphins practice on Tuesday.
