Tyreek Hill has been in the NFL for almost a decade now. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has already put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career. Before embarking on a new chapter with the Dolphins, he was a formidable weapon for Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hill left the Chiefs years ago but his support for his former team remains intact. However, little did anyone know that the former Chiefs receiver almost became a player on the New York Jets squad. Nevertheless, a person’s missed attempt took away the chance for the Jets to enroll Hill on their roster.
Adam Sandler held responsible for Tyreek Hill’s failed Jets move
Famed comedian and die-hard New York Jets fan Adam Sandler finds himself unexpectedly embroiled in the NFL’s trade saga surrounding star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill, in a recent appearance on Marlon Humphrey’s “Punch Line Podcast,” revealed a surprising twist: the Jets’ potential acquisition of him hinged on a phone call from Sandler, which never materialized.
The Dolphins star jokingly admitted that a simple phone call from Sandler expressing interest in having him play for the Jets would have swayed his decision.
“He didn’t call me, bro..I was almost a New York Jet. I’m a huge Adam Sandler guy and Adam Sandler loves the New York Jets. So my request was, if Adam Sandler was to call me, and ask me to come play for the Jets, I would’ve went,” the 2023 MVP front runner said via SI.com.
Adam Sandler has been long known for his versatile talent across comedy, acting, and production. He has amassed a devoted following over the years. His love for the New York Jets is well-documented.
If only someone had conveyed Hill’s condition to Sandler, perhaps the Jets’ roster would have boasted an unexpected addition. Gang Green’s offensive side has been terrible throughout the 2023 season. Their quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a season-ending injury, and backup Zach Wilson struggled with a lackluster performance. Hill’s addition could have been a boost to the signal-caller’s end.
Re-visiting Tyreek Hill’s trade to Dolphins
A seismic shift rocked the NFL on March 23rd, 2022, as Tyreek Hill’s trade to the Miami Dolphins reshaped the league’s landscape. Facing the challenge of accommodating Hill’s hefty contract demands, the Kansas City Chiefs opted to deal him away before the 2022 NFL Draft. In return for their star wide receiver, the Chiefs received a treasure trove of draft picks, including a first-rounder, a second-rounder, and two fourth-rounders in 2022, along with a pair of picks (one in the fourth and another in the sixth round) in the 2023 draft.
The trade allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to free up cap space and strengthen other positions on their team. By acquiring players like cornerback Trent McDuffie, wide receiver Kadarius Toney, and wide receiver Skyy Moore from the New York Giants using Miami’s draft picks, the Chiefs injected their roster with fresh talent.
Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill thrived in his new environment with the Dolphins, signing a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract, including $72.2 million guaranteed. His impact on the field remained unparalleled as he continued to showcase his elite athleticism and playmaking abilities with the Dolphins as well.
During his tenure with the Dolphins in 2022 and 2023, Hill reached new heights by posting career-best numbers in both seasons. He amassed an impressive 119 receptions each year, totaling 1,710 (2022) and 1,799 yards (2023), along with a remarkable 20 touchdowns.
