Tua regarding his relationship with Tyreek: ‘In a positive position’

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Any worries regarding Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill’s off-field relationship can now be laid to rest, as stated by the Miami Dolphins quarterback.

Tagovailoa mentioned on Wednesday that he and wide receiver Hill are «good» as the team gets ready for its season opener on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Earlier this summer, Tagovailoa remarked to reporters that Hill needed to restore his teammates’ trust after hinting at a trade request at the end of the 2024 season. However, Tagovailoa asserted on Wednesday that his comments had been exaggerated.

«I believe people may have made a bigger deal out of it than necessary,» he stated. «We’ve addressed it, and I think that discussion is over now. I believe that once people see Tyreek score on Sunday, they will forget about that. So, we’re in a good place, and we’ve been in a good place for quite some time as well, which makes me really pleased.»

Hill had withdrawn from Miami’s regular-season finale in January and suggested a trade request to the media in the locker room postgame. According to Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, no such request was ever made, and Hill retracted his statements and apologized in February.

During the Dolphins’ initial training camp week, Tagovailoa noted that «everyone makes mistakes» and emphasized giving Hill «some grace,» but added that Hill’s remarks weren’t easy to overlook.

«When you say something like that, you can’t just bounce back with, ‘Hey, my bad.’ You need to work on that relationship; you have to rebuild everything,» Tagovailoa stated in July. «He’s focusing on self-improvement; he’s addressing the things he wants to enhance and rectify. So that’s the first step in my eyes, and I commend him for that.»

The 2024 season was challenging for both players; Hill tallied his lowest receiving yards since 2019, while Tagovailoa missed a career-high six games. The duo didn’t spend much time on the field together this offseason, as Hill was recovering from wrist surgery and missed the last three weeks of offseason practices in August due to an oblique injury.

Nevertheless, Hill returned to practice last week, albeit as a limited participant on Wednesday due to oblique and calf injuries. Provided no setbacks occur, he is anticipated to play on Sunday against Indianapolis.

After Wednesday’s practice, he concurred with Tagovailoa that their relationship issues were exaggerated, expressing that he still regards him as a brother.

«Ultimately, Tua and I understand precisely where we stand,» Hill said. «He knows and I know that we will always be brothers for life. We’ll continue to strengthen our bond every day. … Brothers have disagreements frequently. I argue with my brothers; it happens all the time — but at the end of the day, we recognize what the primary objective is. We are still family.»

Hill emphasized that he is dedicated to executing the small tasks that contribute to the team’s success — arriving punctually, being the last one to leave the facility, and working diligently.

Although he was not elected a captain for the 2025 season, he stated that this wouldn’t hinder him from leading by example.

«In the end, I believe it’s about the team, and I don’t need a title to lead,» Hill remarked. «I will keep upholding the standards set by the Coach and the others in the locker room. I have always been a person who leads through actions. So while the captaincy is significant, I will continue focusing on the small things — namely, working hard, showing up for practice daily, hustling for this team, and striving to win games.»