WR Tyreek Hill
(What does it mean to you to be in Miami now and to have this new contract? What has the last 24 hours kind of been like for you?) – “It’s been crazy, man, but I just want to give a shoutout to Brett Veach and Andy Reid for just doing this for myself, understanding the circumstances there in KC. And to the guys here – Coach (Mike) McDaniel, Chris Grier and even the owner, Mr. Ross. So I’m super excited. I believe my family is more excited than me. They’re already looking at properties. Everybody’s ready, man, for the city of Miami.”
(What about Miami was just so enticing and interesting to you to make this decision to really choose Miami?) – “This is where I train at in the offseason, believe it or not, and then plus, this is where the greatest agent of all time – both of them, the twins – are here so I had to come back, man. Come home. I’ve got family here, I’ve got relatives here. So I’m always here, so why not Miami?”
(You mentioned the circumstances. What more are you willing to share? It kind of shocked us when that happened, the trade. What are the circumstances behind it?) – “If you ain’t got no tea, you ain’t talking. (laughter) You know what I’m saying? I really don’t want to dive too deep into that. All I’m going to say, man, is I’m just thankful for where I am today. Everything happens for a reason. God blessed me and my family with this beautiful opportunity, so that’s what we’re looking at right now. We’re looking forward.”
(Have you talked with WR Jaylen Waddle yet? Have you compared notes on how you two can team up and abuse secondaries?) – “You know what, I actually DMed him last night just for his phone number. I had to get his number. I was supposed to be calling him, but it’s like so much has been going on today, man, and it’s crazy. I’m like trying to take it all in at once, but believe me, once I’m able to sit down, I’m going to talk to him, we’re going to chop it up, we’re even going to get a few workouts in. Maybe even a race, man. (laughter) Because hey, wherever I go, the ‘Cheetah,’ he’s always got to prove he’s the fastest on the team no matter what. I mean that. (laughter)”
(What do you like about WR Jaylen Waddle’s game?) – “He’s a fiery competitor just like I am. A lot of guys – they get like, bad knacks for not being a beast, not being able to do certain things, not being able to run certain routes, not being able to go in and like, knock a linebacker on his butt. He’s just like I was coming out – a young guy who wants to compete, who loves the game and just wants to get better. I’m just excited just to be a part of that and that’s even going to make me better. That’s going to fuel me to be like, ‘Okay, young guy coming in. Just like myself, want to compete.’ So I’m ready for the challenge, dawg.”
(What do you guys do the same and use your skillsets to help Tua develop as a quarterback?) – “Tua is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL, so just his ball placement, getting us the ball in space, perfect placement and us just utilizing our speed, utilizing our best asset. And that’s just being dangerous.”
(What does it mean to you to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the history of the National Football League?) – “Man, I tell people this all the time, there’s only one time I ever cried in my life and that was when my daughter was born. I almost teared like just having that moment. My agent wanted me to kiss him in the mouth. I said no. (laughter) There were a lot of events that happened…”
(It’s not a true story.) – “(laughter) There’s a lot of events that we’re not going to talk about because there are kids in here. But man, it’s the greatest feeling ever. Like all the hard work, coming from a small town, going through the adversity and then just watching it all just happen for myself and my family. My support system, the people who love me. We’re all getting blessed, so I’m just happy.”
(With great expectations come great pressure. Are you ready for that?) – “I don’t blink, dawg. I don’t believe in pressure, dawg. I make the pressure. I’m Pushin’ P, baby. Hey, you know what that means? You know what Pushin’ P means? So look, this is what you do. When you get in your car, go to Apple Music. Type in ‘Pushin’ P Gunna.’ And then I want you to bob your head to that. And then I want you to tweet, ‘Okay, I know what you mean, Tyreek.’ And then I’m going to retweet that. I got you. I got you. (laughter)”
(What do you think of Head Coach Mike McDaniel?) – “He’s probably the funniest head coach I’ve ever met in my life. He’s a dope guy, a fun guy to be around. I can tell that already and his energy is contagious. So I’m excited. The way he was telling me he was going to get me the ball, that’s always exciting for a receiver. But my biggest thing is his whole message off the field, man. ‘Tyreek, just be you.’ He kind of sounded like Shrek a little bit because he was like, ‘Just you be you, ‘Reek. Just be you, ‘Reek.’ (laughter) And that’s all I can ask for, man. A coach to have my back off the field. So he went to bat for me and I know all 90 guys on this roster are going to go to bat – even though I know 90 can’t be on there – but everybody’s going to go to bat for him, so I’m excited to play for the guy, man.”
(I’m not sure there’s a faster receiver duo in the league now than you and WR Jaylen Waddle. What does that to cornerbacks’ hamstrings?) – “Oh, especially in the heat? It’s going to be crazy, man. Look, they better warm up, put ice on them, do whatever they got to do because it’s going to be a long season. It’s going to be a fun season, too, though so I’m excited.”
(Considering your playoff experience, considering T Terron Armstead’s playoff experience, what can y’all bring to a locker room that’s looking to take that next step toward being a playoff contender?) – “Man, just that veteran leadership because once you go to the playoffs, the game is definitely a different speed. You’ve got to play the game at a different level, so just having us two – guys who have experienced it – means a lot, man, for younger guys because some guys may look at it as another opportunity just to play the game. Guys hit harder, guys run faster for some reason – myself – but it’s just crazy how the game speed changes, so I’m excited to play with Terron (Armstead). I really want to race him, too. I heard he runs a 4.6. (laughter)”
(What would be your message to the Dolphins fans?) – “Gear up, man. It’s going to be a fast season but it’s going to be a fun season. And let’s have as many of you guys come out to cheer us on because we need you guys to support us.”
(How hard is it for you to leave Kansas City and what did you talk to QB Patrick Mahomes with after everything happened?) – “It’s tough. It’s tough, man. If somebody comes to you with a lot of money, it changes. (laughter) The feelings started to change a little bit. Nah, let me stop. (laughter) It definitely was tough, man. I definitely had one of those moments where I just had to get in my car and just drive and just really think about the moments that I had in KC with my family, with my coaches, players and I even had a conversation with Pat (Mahomes). That’s my brother for life, man. No matter what, we don’t even got to be on the same team. Pat, (Travis) Kelce and a whole lot of other guys; (Gehrig) Dieter, ‘D-Rob’ (Demarcus Robinson), I can name a whole lot of guys. I’m going to miss those guys. I know those guys are still going to ball because they are Hall of Famers and they still going to do their thing. And Coach (Andy) Reid is going to do his thing do.”
(How close were you to picking the Jets?) – “How close was I? Who? The Jets? Nah, man. Look man, I don’t even want to get into all that. I knew I was going to pick Miami no matter what. I’m basically from here. I’m here all the time and this is home for me, for us.”
(You mentioned a few minutes ago how you talked with Head Coach Mike McDaniel about how he is going to get you the ball. What were some of the things he said that really excited you?) – “I can’t share the secrets, man. But he just said, ‘Look, ‘Reek’ just gear up, it’s going to be fun, alright?’ I’m just going to say this – the way that he utilized Deebo Samuel in that offense was crazy. Deebo Samuel is a freak athlete. I’m just excited. That’s all I’m going to say.”
(How different is Head Coach Mike McDaniel? You said he was a little different.) – “He is a little different, man. He’s a younger coach so he has a lot of energy. I’m not used to that. That’s all I’m going to say. He’s a young coach with a lot of energy.”
(How do you celebrate this moment?) – “We’re going to go out, man, go to the beach and play some volleyball, get some Hennessy and have a good time, man. (laughter) Why not? Go to the beach and have fun, right? You trying to play volleyball? Not with them shoes on. (laughter)”
(We spoke a few years back at the Super Bowl and media day. I asked you how does it feel to be back home in Miami. You said it was good to be here but after everything transpired and you won a Super Bowl down here, what does it mean to be back here now as a member of the Miami Dolphins and how do you feel having the Tyreek Hill Family Foundation get involved in the community?) – “It feels great to be back. I’m happy I’m finally able to be able to play in front of my family. As you know, Kansas City is far away from Georgia or Florida. Being closer to home, having more family involved in the games and the foundation and stuff is definitely going to be a blessing. Just being a part of the community. My mama always told me you don’t do what you do for a reason. God has blessed you so I need you to be able to bless other people. I feel like I have a purpose to bless people off the field, whatever the case may be. I’m very involved in mental health. I’m very involved with the homeless. I’m going to make sure that we take it up another level to make sure that we do what we’ve got to do off the field, too, to take care of some of these people.”
(What does it tell you about the organization’s commitment to winning that they brought you in, they brought T Terron Armstead and they’re bringing in players. What does that tell you?) – “Just like they said with the Rams – ‘F them picks, man.’ (Laughter) F them picks at the end of the day. Bringing Terron in, they definitely want to put all the right pieces around the quarterback because the quarterback is the most important player on the field. Having myself, Terron and a few more other pieces that were already here, you definitely can tell that the owner wants to win, coach McDaniel, Chris Grier and all of those guys want to win. We’re just all looking forward to the challenge, to the journey and I can’t wait to work.”
(Where does all of your confidence come from?) – “To play receiver, man, you’ve got to be confident as heck. Dropped passes and getting hit hard, you’ve got to have the swagger my dog because if you don’t have the swagger, you don’t got none of that. The person who taught me that was my mom and dad. My mom is probably the cockiest person in the room right now. I know you all are looking at me talking right now but my mom really is cocky. (laughter) You’ve got to have that swagger man when you play this position.”
(Are you looking forward to going up against CB Xavien Howard in practice?) – “Yes, I am looking forward to going against ‘X’ at practice. Going against Byron Jones. Blocking Jerome Baker. I’m looking forward to everything, man. It’s going to be fun. We’re going to have a few scraps and talk trash here and there.”
(Do you talk a lot on the field?) – “Come on, that’s what I do baby. I’m the cheetah, man. That’s what cheetahs do to lions. You can’t catch me. (laughter) I’m going in the tree – can cheetahs climb? Nah, I’m going to stop. (laughter)”
T Terron Armstead
(What appealed to you about coming here? What were the factors that made you want to come here?) – “Talking to (Offensive Coordinator) Frank Smith, he was one of my former coaches – my assistant O-line coach my rookie year. Keeping that relationship with him, what he did for me as a rookie, and the impression that he left for us to re-unite 10 years later. Really just doing my homework on what I wanted from my career. The offense that (Head Coach) Mike (McDaniel) brings, his energy, his demeaner, the vision he has for this team and then coming down to the city, I mean it’s Miami. The location, you can’t beat the location. The front office, coaches and everyone was so welcoming, and expressed their desire for me to be here. I just felt like it was a perfect fit.”
(What took you so long? Because you were one of those top-tier free agents and here we are a week into free agency and you hadn’t made a decision.) – “Going through all of those factors. Making the best decision for myself and my family. I’ve been playing for a while. I’ve been in New Orleans for nine years. Entering my 10th year, I didn’t just want to make an impulsive decision. I wanted to weigh all options and go through the process and take my time. Ultimately, I felt like I made the right decision.”
(What has been your message to QB Tua Tagovailoa, or what would be your message to Tua Tagovailoa?) – “I haven’t gotten to speak with him yet, but when I do, I’m just excited to see him ball really, and be successful. I know Mike has a vision for him. Me watching him, he’s as accurate and as precise as anyone I’ve ever seen. I’m excited to work for him, protect him – myself and the other guys who are up there with me. It’s going to be fun.”
(You were brought here to continue playing at a pro bowl level. Beyond that, you’re going to be playing next to a lot of young linemen. What can you do to make them better?) – “I’m coming in with my experience, how I see the game, my knowledge of the game, and these guys are extremely talented. Just watching them and getting a chance to meet a few of them, they’re extremely talented. There is a reason why they are in this building and in this business. Just being able to work together bring what I bring to the table and what they bring to the table, we’re going to put our hard hat on every day and try to go out and try to create space for our playmakers.”
(Why the Dan Marino jersey?) – “Why not? He’s a legend. I’m a real big fan of the sport, of the game, so I always pay respect to the legends, the Hall of Famers. On my visit, I walked upstairs and I saw the Dan Marino office. I just thought it was out of respect. I walked into the offensive staff room and there he is. It only makes sense.”
(What do you think it would be like meeting him for the first time?) – “I met him on my visit.”
(What was that like?) – “Just humbling. He came up and introduced himself like I didn’t know him, which was crazy. (laughter) It’s great to have the legends around and share their experience and knowledge. That’s really what it’s about, passing down that knowledge.”
(Less than 24 hours after you signed, the team trades for WR Tyreek Hill. What was your reaction when you heard the news about that trade?) – “Come on now, the most dynamic player in the league. I’ve always been a fan of his game, just watching him. Now having him be a part of this offense, I think we’re building something. We’re building something special. Him paired with (Jaylen) Waddle, (Raheem) Mostert and that speed, and then the speed of us up front on the offensive line, we’re going to try to turn these Sundays into a track meet. A physical track meet. Let’s not try to overshadow that at all. Up front we’re going to implement that physicality, that mentality. Speed kills when you try to catch these guys on the outside.”
(What excites an offensive lineman about Head Coach Mike McDaniel?) – “He understands us more than a few others. It’s a tough job. It’s a tough position. It’s a thankless position. We are asked to go and create. You don’t necessarily get the celebrations or the rewards, which is fine. It takes a unique group of individuals to do that over and over without expecting to be rewarded or to be patted on the back. Mike likes to put offensive linemen in the best position to be successful. He uses your strengths and abilities, which was another factor with me signing to Miami. The offensive scheme and the fit I think is perfect for what I do best. Be explosive, physical, get out and run.”
(The moves made this week changed a lot of people’s perception of the Miami Dolphins. Do you want to change the perception broadly about what this team can do?) – “We’ll write our own story. I don’t want to stand up here and try to change any perception. I would rather us get to work, offseason program, training camp, and then once we start playing football, we’ll write our own story.”
(Coming from the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, what does today mean for you being a product of an HBCU and being a 10-year vet?) – “It’s amazing. It’s a blessing for sure. I thank God for the opportunity, for being here, for being here for so long, for being an HBCU guy, a small school guy. It’s a longer road. It honestly is. It’s a longer trip to get here and to stay here, but it’s possible. It’s becoming more and more frequent and evident that the talent is in those buildings and in those spaces. I was at the HBCU legacy bowl. A lot of talented players, a lot of NFL scouts and front office people making decisions. I think it will continue to grow as they continue to get exposure.”
(Where do you feel like you are in your career arc?) – “Progressing, learning, still trying to get better. I’ve got goals and aspirations that I haven’t necessarily touched yet, so I’m chasing them.”
(Busy offseason for the AFC. A lot of trades, a lot of moves. Where do you think you guys stack up?) – “Every team at this point feels like they are Super Bowl contenders. All 32. It’s not true. We can talk about what it looks like on paper. I’ve been doing it long enough to know that it doesn’t really matter. You’ve got a depth chart and that’s a starting point. You’ve got to go out there and do it, put the work in and practice, then you really get a chance to know. Right now, I can’t really – I think it’s unfair to say. I’m going to say we’ll be Super Bowl champions but you go (ask and) anybody else is going to say the same thing.”
(How is your health at this age in your career?) – “I feel great. I feel great. I had a procedure in the offseason. Cleaned up some stuff from last year. I feel great. I’ve just been rehabbing, training and getting myself ready to roll for when we start.”
(You said that QB Tua Tagovailoa is as accurate and precise as anyone you’ve ever seen. You spent a few years with somebody known for his accuracy and decision-making in QB Drew Brees in New Orleans. What do you take from your experience there, having a quarterback you rely on for timing, precision and things like that?) – “Spending so long with Drew and being such a fan of what he does, Drew is as accurate as they come. He can knock the wing off a fly. (laughter) Just watching his game and his preparation I’m excited to get around Tua and see how he prepares. I don’t know if he has much experience or connection with Drew. That definitely would be something that I’d like to bridge just because he was such a cerebral mind and a student of the game. He saw it differently than most, so if I could just connect those two. That’s even before meeting Tua. I think Drew would be an asset to anybody.”
(If you made a list of the five leading sack artists in the game from last season, you’d start with LB T.J. Watt all the way down to DE Nick Bosa and so forth. The Dolphins play all five of those in 2022. When you hear that, what do you think?) – “That’s part of the game. It’s the NFL. It’s the best of the best. Those guys, those few names, they stand out for a reason. Special players, elite players, are part of the competition, part of the sport. We thrive to play against those guys, the ones that have been doing it at a high level. Just go out there and perform.”
(How much time have you spent previously in Miami? Have you visited Miami at all?) – “I’ve been down a few times. (laughter) Not too much though.”
(What are you looking forward to doing or finding out about the city?) – “I’ve got a lot of friends here. Like I said, I’ve visited a few times. Just excited to really get here and make it home, grow in the city and get into the community. That’s really it. Find a place to live first. It’s expensive down here. (laughter)”
(How would you describe your approach to run block?) – “It’s a mindset. It’s a mentality. I love the way Mike (McDaniel) looks at it. That’s the most rewarding for an offensive linemen, to be able to go forward. We’re asked to go backwards so much and stay in front of the best athletes in the world. So to get a chance to go forward and be on offense and be the aggressor, it’s a great feeling. To have a coaching staff that values that and sees that as the foundation of the offense, I think it will help everyone in the building.”
(Are we going to get a new freestyle mix tape and what beat are we going to use?) – “Dropping soon. (laughter) Dropping soon. Nah, I’ve got some music I’ve been working on. I put out some music while I was in New Orleans last year that did really well. I got some new content coming. Stay tuned.”
