Jaylen Waddle expressed strong confidence that Tyreek Hill will make a remarkable comeback following a devastating injury that ended Hill’s 2025 season. Speaking publicly in February 2026, Waddle highlighted Hill’s quick progress during his recovery, underscoring his teammate’s resilience and determination.
Hill suffered a dislocated left knee along with multiple torn ligaments, including a torn ACL, during week four of the NFL season. The injury required immediate surgery, prematurely concluding his campaign and leaving many uncertain about his future on the field. Despite these setbacks, Hill’s rehabilitation has included significant milestones, impressing even close observers.
Waddle Shares Personal Insights on Hill’s Recovery Journey
Although no longer teammates in Miami, Waddle and Hill have maintained close ties. Waddle spent four seasons working alongside Hill as his secondary wide receiver at the Dolphins and recently recounted his observations during an appearance on The Set with retired tackle Terron Armstead.
Waddle described witnessing Hill squatting weights barely two months after surgery, an achievement few would expect so soon. He remarked on Hill’s work ethic and physical commitment, saying,
“He was such a dog on the field, and to see him go down like that is always hard. Two months out of his injury, he’s squatting, and I said, ‘This boy [is] different‘.”
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver
Reaffirming his faith in Hill’s return, Waddle added,
“That boy different. He’s gonna come back CRAZY. You know Cheetah — he feels like people doubting him now.”
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver
Waddle’s Role During Hill’s Absence and Team Performance
With Hill sidelined, Waddle assumed the role of the Dolphins’ leading wide receiver, delivering a respectable 910 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the season. Nevertheless, Miami’s team performance suffered, finishing with a 7-10 record and missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Following the season, Hill was released by Miami despite having one year left on his restructured contract, effectively entering free agency. Interest from other NFL teams appears limited, with potential suitors reportedly restricted to a Chiefs reunion or a possible move to the Baltimore Ravens.
Factors Limiting Interest in Hill’s Next NFL Opportunity
Two key issues contribute to the hesitation from teams in signing Hill: the severity of his injury and his age. Analysts worry the knee injury could diminish Hill’s trademark speed and deep-ball threat capability. Yet, Hill himself offered reassurance during a recent livestream, saying,
“My recovery is going good, bro. Like I said earlier in the stream, I got to have one more surgery. It hasn’t been as rough as people try to make it seem, you know what I’m saying, but I’ll say, me filling my time with DJ, and traveling to all these different places, it has been a lot easier for myself. I’m just enjoying my life, I’m enjoying myself.”
Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver
Age is another concern, as Hill approaches 32, an age when many receivers experience a decline in performance. Nevertheless, Waddle remains optimistic, confident that Hill can defy expectations through his determination and demonstrated resilience.
He reiterated this belief, stating,
“That boy different. He’s gonna come back CRAZY… You know, Cheetah — he feels like people doubting him now.”
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver
Current Status of Hill’s Rehabilitation and Career Highlights
Hill has returned to Kansas City to focus on his ongoing recovery. Recent social media posts feature images of Hill wearing a substantial knee brace, confirming he still requires time before he can fully return to professional football activities. Despite this, his ability to apply pressure on the injured leg during weighted lunges shows encouraging progress.
Hill’s career began with the Kansas City Chiefs, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over more than 140 appearances, he has amassed 1,201 receptions, 11,363 receiving yards, and 83 touchdowns. His accolades include eight Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors, in addition to winning a Super Bowl.
Given his track record and current recovery pace, Hill’s potential return to the league represents a compelling narrative for NFL fans and analysts alike. His comeback could challenge assumptions about post-injury performance limits for elite wide receivers.
#Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle says Tyreek Hill was squatting two months after his gruesome injury.
“That boy different. He’s gonna come back CRAZY. You know Cheetah — he feels like people doubting him now."
(🎥 @thesetshow_ with @T_Armstead72) pic.twitter.com/ME3wvjzebQ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 19, 2026
Tyreek Hill on his recovery: “I got to have one more surgery… It hasn’t been as rough as people try to make it seem.” #ChiefsKingdom
📽️ @KingJames5133 via Tyreek Hill's Twitch Today pic.twitter.com/VNQBya8avp
— Chief Concerns (@ConcernsChief) February 16, 2026
We'll see you at Hill's Hill outside Lowe's @cheetah pic.twitter.com/Fqk0x0VbHN
— 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) February 18, 2026
