Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently made headlines for his arrest shortly before his team’s season opener at Hard Rock Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Hill has long been in the spotlight for his speed, earning the nickname “Cheetah” as the fastest player in the league.
From being drafted in 2016 to making an 80-yard touchdown for the Dolphins, the 30-year-old athlete has established himself as a prominent figure in the football world. Here are five things to know about Tyreek Hill:
Early Life
Tyreek Hill was born in Pearson, Georgia, on March 1, 1994, and attended Coffee High School. During high school, he excelled in track and field and was named a USA Today All-American in 2012.
How Long Has He Been in the NFL?
He has been in the NFL for eight years, starting in 2016. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2016 to 2021 and has been with the Miami Dolphins since 2022. Over his career, he has accumulated a total of 10,269 yards, with an impressive 1,799 yards in 2023 according to ESPN, the highest of his career.
When Did He Start Playing Football?
Hill, also known as player number 10, transitioned from a former track and field star to playing football for Garden City Community College, Oklahoma State, and West Alabama. He began his NFL career when he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round, initially playing as a kick returner during his rookie year before moving to the wide receiver position. He won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Known for his speed, Hill earned the nickname “Cheetah.” In a full-circle moment, he returned to the stadium where he won Super Bowl LIV, now playing as a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins.
Why Was He Arrested?
Tyreek was arrested on Sunday, September 8, reportedly for reckless driving. According to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, he wrote on X, “I’m told by sources Tyreek Hill was cited for reckless driving as a result of his incident outside the stadium with police. After he was pulled over, he got into a verbal altercation with police. The officer chose to place Hill in handcuffs. He was cited and released after the situation was deescalated.”
Video of Tyreek Hill’s arrest today: pic.twitter.com/Kope2Ma6tk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2024
The team later confirmed his release on social media, announcing he would return for their first game of the 2024 NFL season.
Does He Have a Wife?
Hill has been married to Keeta Vaccaro since November 2023, and they are expecting their first child together. Although divorce papers were filed earlier this year, Hill clarified that the filing was a mistake made by their lawyers without their consent. He is also the father of four children: Deuce Hill, Juju Hill, Zev Hill, and Tyreek Hill Jr., from different relationships.