Tyreek Hill Narrates the Story of the ‘Hardest Hit’ of His NFL Career; “Made Me Not Want to Do Kickoff Returns”

The Miami Dolphins‘ WR Tyreek Hill has established himself as one of the top players in the NFL. Despite initial concerns about his height compared to other wide receivers, Hill stands out as the fastest player on his team. However, there was a time when he sustained a devastating hit that almost made him contemplate not doing kickoff returns anymore.

In 2016, the then rookie WR was just beginning to make his presence felt on the Kansas City Chiefs team. While he did showcase his strength as a kickoff returner, his confidence was shattered when he endured a serious hit from a Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker.

Tyreek Hill once wanted to quite doing kickoff returns

Hill appeared on a video interview with Bleacher where he opened up about the severest hit he ever sustained in his career. Hill revealed that a particularly forceful hit delivered by Steelers linebacker Vince Williams in 2016 had such a significant impact on him that he seriously considered to not return longer kicks anymore. The intensity of the hit made him question whether it was worth continuing in that role.

He said, “The hardest hit I ever took in the league was probably my rookie year. Vince Williams from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s not in the league no more, but dude he made me not want to do kickoff returns no more.”

Despite the hit, Hill’s career as a wide receiver flourished, and he was eventually recognized as an All-Pro player. Currently playing for the Miami Dolphins, he commands one of the highest salaries among receivers in the NFL. Thankfully, Williams’ impactful hit did not hinder Hill’s future in the league, allowing him to achieve success and financial stability.

Can't catch a @cheetah 🐆

The 5 longest touchdowns of Tyreek Hill's career! pic.twitter.com/PsCmnFwwql

— NFL (@NFL) May 21, 2023

Hill reveals he wanted to go to Florida state

Even though Hill looks like a person who does not have many regrets in his life, the Dolphins wide receiver recently came clean about regretting his college commitment out of high school. During a recent conversation on his ‘It Needed to Be Said‘ podcast, he talked to former Seminoles defensive end Brian Burns, who appeared as a guest.

To him, he said, “I wish I would have gone to Florida State. But, you know, you can’t rewrite history.”

 

Tyreek, who is from Georgia, said that Jimbo Fisher recruited him, but he eventually decided to commit to Oklahoma State, a move which he now regrets. The star WR went on to make his debut against the Seminoles in the 2014 opener, where he combined for 278 all-purpose yards in a 37-31 loss.