Photo: Getty Images
Former Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Amstread explained the reason for Tyreek Hill's bizarre reaction to his season-ending injury.
Hill was seen smiling as he was carted off the field during the Dolphins' Monday Night Football win against the New York Jets, as well as in a video shared online showing him in the back of an ambulance. Armstead, who was teammates with Hill during his final three NFL seasons between 2022 and 2024, TMZ Sports that they spoke on the phone and the All-Pro receiver was laughing in order to avoid passing out from excruciating pain.
"He was laughing through the pain," Armstead said on Wednesday (October 1). "Because it was either that or pass out."
Armstead confirmed that Hill seemed to be in "good spirits" during their phone conversation. Hill broke his silence after undergoing surgery Tuesday (September 30) morning, sharing a post on his X account with the Bible verse Romans 8:18.
"Surgery went great," Hill wrote with a praying-hands emoji on Wednesday (October 1). "Romans 8:18, 'For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.'
Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had previously confirmed his client underwent successful knee surgery in a statement to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Tuesday.
“Tyreek’s surgery went very well. Fortunately everything was done with one procedure. The goal is for Tyreek to be ready for the start of next season," Rosenhaus said via Pelissero.
Hill also shared a statement in a video shared on his social media accounts prior to undergoing surgery.
"About to go in for this surgery, keep your boy in your prayers. You guys have been awesome, man, fans, nation, just the whole entire NFL have been amazing sending me lots of love, lots of prayers and I'm absolutely honored, man. Granted, the situation, but I love you guys so much and I hope to see you soon. Cheetah," Hill said from a hospital bed.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Hill was set to undergo surgery on his dislocated knee, which involved multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL, which occurred during the Dolphins' Monday Night Football win against the AFC East Division rival New York Jets hours prior.
"#Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill has torn multiple ligaments in his dislocated knee, including his ACL, ending his season and giving him a long road ahead for 2026, source says. He’ll have surgery today to repair the significant injury," Rapoport wrote on his X account. "With surgery today, it’s possible that Tyreek Hill will undergo additional surgeries. There is no guarantee he’ll be ready for 2026. None of his 2026 salary is guaranteed now, but $11M (of $29.9M) becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster in March, plus a $5M roster bonus."
The injury occurred when Hill made a catch and was tackled near the Jets' sideline early in the third quarter. Players from both teams took a knee as staffers tended to Hill and a cart was immediately brought onto the field to take him to the locker room.
An air cast appeared to be applied to Hill's left leg while he was being tended to. The five-time All-Pro selection clapped and waved to fans as he was being taken away in the cart and received a standing ovation from the home crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.
Hill recorded six receptions for 67 yards in Monday's (September 29) game prior to his injury. The 31-year-old entered Week 4 with 15 receptions for 198 yards and one touchdown through his first three games.