Tyreek Hill's disappearing act during the Miami Dolphins' 32-20 season-ending loss to the New York Jets has drawn a lot of criticism around the league.  Hill reportedly refused to go back into the game in the fourth quarter with the Dolphins all but eliminated with the Denver Broncos blowing out the Chiefs and Miami down two scores.  

However, one sleuthy Twitter/X user found what appears to be the point in the game where Hill refused to come back onto the field – late in the third quarter with the Dolphins down 18-6. 

I found this nugget while rewatching the game. This wasn’t just quitting on his team, it was quitting on everyone who believed in him: the fans, the coaches, and even his family. The moment Waddle asked Reek if he was done, it became painfully clear, he gave up. That choice… pic.twitter.com/uLe4anxuLb

— TCBHammer (@HammerTcb) January 9, 2025

Waddle appears to be the one who yells "hey Cheetah, you done?" towards the sideline, with the rest of the communication a bit garbled.  

Fittingly, at that exact moment, the MetLife Stadium PA system played the 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' television theme song, an oft-played tune on social media in the face of clownish or comical situations.  One indeed was playing out on the Dolphins' sideline at that point. 

Hill remained out of the game, as his Dolphins teammates continued to fight for a positive ending to their 2024 season without his help.  The fight turned out to be a futile one, but that wasn't the point.  It was about finishing the game in the face of an adverse situation, showing character and leadership.  Most Dolphins showed it.  Unfortunately, one of their highest paid players didn't. 

Hill's desire to be in South Florida was rightfully questioned when he himself put that up for issue with his comments after the game about opening the door for an exit.  Mike McDaniel explained this as a postgame emotional reaction and that they cleared the air, but claims he explained to Hill that quitting in a game won't be tolerated going forward. 

“The relationship – we met for I want to say an hour yesterday, and I think the competitive spirit of his can represent postgame, especially in a season or a game that nobody likes, it can allude to a relationship being one way. I was very direct with him. He was very honest and it was great terms that we were discussing. Discussed multiple things including without wavering that it’s not acceptable to leave a game and won’t be tolerated in the future, and he embraced accountability. I wouldn’t say there’s anything necessarily to fix as much as we had to clear the air in a rough and tumultuous situation.”

Hill is an interesting player and creates quite the conundrum for the Dolphins.  When he's on, he's as good as any offensive player in the NFL at any position. He's a true difference maker for the Dolphins.

However, last year was a drop off in an incredible way, much of which didn't have to do with Hill himself – Tua injury/dreadful QB play, iffy play calling, horrible offensive line play, etc. – but not all of it.  

Further, flat-out quitting on a team and being allowed to do it is the quickest way to lose a locker room and respect from your players.  That absolutely cannot happen in 2025 and expect any kind of success to follow.  

So, McDaniel and Chris Grier are going to have to decide if they can afford to have another blow up like this happen and take that kind of risk again when a season isn't yet lost – and perhaps when their own jobs are truly on the line in 2025. 

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