Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill found himself at the center of attention twice on Sunday—first in an encounter with law enforcement and later in the end zone. Second, in a moment of symbolism, Hill celebrated his touchdown by putting his hands behind his back, mimicking the handcuffed position he had experienced earlier that day. The celebration was clearly a nod to the traffic stop, blending on-field performance with off-field drama.
The Tyreek Hill handcuffs celebration was a guarantee today pic.twitter.com/nAmM8vrZ79
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 8, 2024
Shortly before kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hill was arrested by Miami-Dade police during a traffic stop to start the day. Hill was not taken into custody, but the event attracted notice right away.
Videos of Hill face down and in handcuffs by police went viral online early on Sunday. Officials from Miami-Dade County verified that Hill had been taken into custody but was subsequently freed after the stop. An "immediate review" of the traffic stop will take place, according to a statement from the police.
Tyreek Hill should not have been forcibly driven to the ground, handcuffed and handled so aggressively for a minor traffic violation heading into the stadium before the game. Period. @cheetahpic.twitter.com/Gnu1mrIuUD
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 8, 2024
The event happened right before the Dolphins' home opener at Hard Rock Stadium versus the Jaguars. In spite of the off-field incidents, Hill had a significant comeback. With Miami behind 17–7 late in the third quarter, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found Hill for an 80-yard touchdown. In order to finish the spectacular play, Hill outran opponents after receiving the pass on a deep crossing path.
The season got off to a noteworthy start for the Dolphins vs the Jaguars, both in terms of Hill's play and the level of public interest in the individual. Hill's celebration following the score increased attention on his dynamic presence off and on the field and highlighted the significance of the prior event.
This strange turn of events—from getting arrested by the police to scoring a game-winning touchdown—became the story of Hill's day. As news of Hill's performance spreads, Miami-Dade police have said that a thorough investigation into the traffic stop is under progress. Although Hill's celebration has become one of the most talked-about moments of the game, the Dolphins ultimately fell to Jacksonville.