No question about it, the Miami Dolphins are in a bad way these days. Tyreek Hill has come under fire after a domestic incident that occurred just this past week. As a result, last week Hill’s mother-in-law called the police and reported an “assault in progress.” She saw one significant, violent fight where Hill chased his wife through the apartment with a loaded gun. Not a single charge was issued in the accident. It has raised alarm bells about Hill’s role as a leader on the team, particularly as the Dolphins try to replace the leadership void left by two captains who left for greener pastures a season ago.
The draft drama has overshadowed what Hill accomplished during the offseason. This decision arrived just months after he suggested to reporters in February that he was looking to move on from the team. He later retracted those comments and apologized. Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier later clarified that Hill did not officially ever ask for a trade. The wide receiver’s conduct off the field seems to contrast with his essential role on the team, where he is recognized as one of the longest-tenured players on the offense and a key contributor to the team’s success.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said he knew Hill would become a leader, especially given the state of today’s NFL. McDaniel said he was thrilled at the prospect of Hill being elected captain for the third year in a row. He stressed that Hill’s accountability and openness to learn from his past would make the team better.
“I would be pumped if he was voted captain, because I think that Tyreek being accountable for who he is as a competitor and what he’s learned from in his journey,” – Mike McDaniel
This year, Hill was voted captain for the third consecutive year. After everything that transpired at the conclusion of last season, there hangs a shadow of a doubt as to if he’ll hold onto this title for a fourth-straight year. With the team’s two previous captains no longer on the roster, Hill’s leadership qualities will likely be put to the test. With his new teammates he’ll help create a great new culture in that locker room.
McDaniel emphasized how Hill’s teammates opened him with proverbial arms, accepting him first as a person, warts and all. In short, he believes this acceptance is key for developing an atmosphere of trust and commitment to each other’s growth and accountability.
“I think that means that his teammates have seen him completely — that they’ve all as teammates fully embraced the whole process of, ‘Hey, I’m a human being. This is wrong, this is right. This is how I want to do things,’” – Mike McDaniel
The Dolphins’ current predicament exemplifies a larger issue of the overall culture within the organization. The loss of experienced leaders has left a significant gap, and players like Hill must step up during this transitional period. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead reflected on the struggle that comes with losing so many bright minds from the locker room at once.
“It’s a collection man. You’ve got so much knowledge leaving at once,” – Terron Armstead
Leave a Reply