Tyreek Hill is ready to change the narrative around the Miami Dolphins.
A team built on speed and finesse, many point to Miami’s lack of physicality and struggles in the cold weather as things that hold them back. The Dolphins have routinely started fast since Mike McDaniel became the head coach in 2022.
The Dolphins have compiled a 21-13 record in September, October, and November. However, they’ve posted a 7-12 record in December and January, including a 0-2 mark in the playoffs.
During an appearance on the ‘Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel’ podcast at the 2025 Fanatics Fest convention, Hill expressed a desire to flip the script.
‘It’s time to change who we are as a team,’ Hill said of what he told the team as a leader. ‘It’s time to change the narrative.’
Hill specifically pointed to the criticisms of the team in cold weather and physicality, saying he is tired of them.
‘I’m tired of that narrative,’ Hill said. ‘I’m tired of living behind not being able to go to the playoffs and win in Miami because we got a damn good team. We got a good quarterback, we got a good offensive line and we got some good coaches. And we got some good people in the community who deserve to be a part of it. I feel like this is the year that we change all of that.’
It’s been an interesting offseason for Hill. At one point, he appeared to be headed for a one-way ticket out of Miami. Trade rumors swirled around the star receiver, dating back to his frustration at the end of the season. Time healed all wounds in this case, however, as Hill is back in the fold and on good terms with McDaniel.
‘He’s one of those guys that, at first, he was odd,’ Hill said of McDaniel. ‘But I’m in year four with Mike now and our relationship is great.’
The five-time All-Pro has dazzled during his three seasons in South Beach, posting at least 1,700 yards in two of them. Hill’s game, at least statistically, went to another level following his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs before the 2022 season.
Hill credits McDaniel for a lot of that success, noting that the coach spends a lot of time in the office trying to find ways to scheme players open.
‘He’s probably one of the best offensive coordinators I’ve been around,’ Hill said. ‘One of the best minds I’ve been around. The way he utilizes me in motions and jet sweeps and just whatever it takes to get me open – those two years I had seventeen-hundred yards in a row, it was just him and his creativity.’
The praise didn’t stop there.
‘Mike really is a genius though,’ Hill added. ‘He’s a nerd for a reason. He’s a nerd for football.’
The Dolphins are seeking a return to the playoffs this season after a disappointing 8-9 finish to the 2024 campaign. Hill is eager to lead the team, hoping they can find some playoff success, much like his former team in Kansas City.
He believes they have what it takes to get there, citing the 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as evidence.
‘We just seen OKC and the Pacers in the [NBA] Finals,’ Hill said. ‘Anything can happen, right?’
The Dolphins open the 2025 regular season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
