Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill has been the heartbeat of the team’s offense since arriving in South Florida. On Monday night, that heartbeat skipped. Hill went down with a serious knee injury during the Dolphins’ 27-21 win over the New York Jets, and the fallout stretches far beyond the field.
The injury came early in the third quarter. Hill caught a short pass from Tua Tagovailoa and was dragged down near the sideline. His left leg twisted awkwardly under the defender, and he stayed on the ground as trainers rushed over. Moments later, an air cast was strapped to his knee, and teammates surrounded him while the crowd fell silent.
Head coach Mike McDaniel later confirmed the worst: Hill dislocated his knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL. Surgery followed on Tuesday. Despite the devastating news, Hill managed to post a video from his hospital bed thanking fans for their support-proof of the upbeat personality that’s made him a locker-room leader.
The Money Side of the Injury
Hill’s absence doesn’t just hit Miami’s chances in the AFC playoff race. It also hits his wallet. His 2025 contract includes $1.8 million in per-game active roster bonuses. With the injury sidelining him for the year, he’s expected to lose about $1.4 million.
Looking further ahead, Hill’s future earnings are even less secure. None of the $36 million he’s set to make in 2026 is guaranteed. At age 31 and facing a long recovery, that gap in protection could become a major turning point in his career.
What It Means Going Forward
NFL contracts are often headline-grabbing for their size, but the fine print matters. ESPN has noted that roster bonuses make up a critical part of yearly pay for many stars, and the Miami Herald has reported how quickly guarantees can vanish when injuries happen.
For the Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle and tight end Darren Waller will be asked to step up. For Hill, the battle is different: getting healthy, reclaiming his form, and protecting the future he’s worked so hard to build.
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