Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on the pavement outside the team’s stadium early Sunday morning after being stopped for speeding and reckless driving. The incident occurred just before the Dolphins’ season opener and left Hill perplexed. The police officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.
The officer, whose identity has not been revealed, was one of at least three officers who detained Hill. Fans heading to the game captured video of the scene, which quickly went viral on social media.
Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels announced an internal investigation into the matter. After the game, Hill commented on the officer’s leave, saying, “That should tell you everything you need to know.” Defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was briefly handcuffed after trying to help Hill, agreed that the situation seemed justified given the circumstances.

Hill, who has expressed respect for law enforcement and hopes to become a police officer after his football career, said he was confused about why he was handcuffed, asserting he had been respectful and compliant. “I had no idea why they put me in handcuffs,” Hill said. “I wasn’t disrespectful. I didn’t cuss. I’m still trying to figure it out.”
On the field, Hill excelled for the Dolphins, catching seven passes for 130 yards and scoring an 80-yard touchdown that contributed to a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In celebration, he mimicked being handcuffed.
Hill, who is Black, noted he did not want to use his fame to avoid the situation but questioned what might have happened if he were not a celebrity. “I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” he said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what would have happened.”
Daniels stated earlier Sunday that she had requested an “immediate review” of the incident and that body camera footage would be examined. She later reiterated her commitment to transparency and accountability regarding her officers’ actions.
Hill mentioned that the situation unfolded rapidly and was unexpected. “I’m just glad my teammates were there to support me because I felt alone,” he added.
Campbell, who was driving into Hard Rock Stadium when he saw Hill in handcuffs, stopped to assist and was also handcuffed. Officers claimed it was due to his failure to follow their instructions. Campbell described the police response as “a bit extreme” and said he witnessed what he felt was excessive force.
Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, spoke to his wife and family after his detainment and before the game. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called the situation “heartbreaking” and expressed deep concern. “How things escalated to being in handcuffs on the ground with police is mindboggling,” Rosenhaus said. “We will investigate this matter further and ensure Tyreek’s well-being, though I’m not making any allegations at this time.”