Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has made a living burning opposing NFL cornerbacks, utilizing his blazing-fast speed in order to create separation from defenders and get in the end zone for touchdowns. Now, he hopes to use that insane speed to help the Dolphins defeat the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs after a solid regular season.
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Arguably the fastest player in the league (maybe NFL history) and appropriately nicknamed "Cheetah," Hill presents a matchup nightmare for virtually any member of an NFL secondary. Simply put, whether it's on a kickoff, a slant route, or a deep ball, every other NFL football player pales in comparison to Tyreek Hill's speed.
Tyreek Hill: The "Cheetah" of the NFL
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Tyreek Hill's speed is frequently a topic of discussion among Dolphins Nation, and according to Next Gen Stats, Hill's fastest run in his career came on a play where he didn't even have the ball.
In a game during the 2019 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings, Hill's former Kansas City Chiefs teammate, MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, handed the ball to running back Damien Williams, who broke free for a 91-yard touchdown run. The play in and of itself was spectacular, but when reviewing the replay, you can clearly see Hill's explosive pace as he escorts his running back past the pylons.
Next Gen Stats recorded that Hill's top speed on that play was 22.6 MPH, the fastest mark set in his career.
For reference, the viral play in which Seattle Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf chased down Arizona Cardinals cornerback Budda Baker during an interception return registered a top speed (from Metcalf) of 22.64 MPH.
Hill's speed was also pitted up against the quickest men in the world. NBC showed a comparison between his fastest speed and the participants in the 2016 Rio Olympics 200m final, and he certainly held his own against the likes of Usain Bolt. In fact, Hill might get his chance in real life. The two have talked about competing in a race with huge stakes. Bolt would put up one of his Olympic gold medals for Hill's Super Bowl ring. The two have yet to settle on a distance, but radio host Dan Patrick suggested a race of 70 meters when Bolt appeared on his show. Time will tell if the race comes to fruition.
Here you go... Usain Bolt vs. Tyreek Hill in a 70 meter dash. @UsainBolt says he'll put up a gold medal if Tyreek puts up his Super Bowl ring. You in @cheetah? We'll set it up for the week after the Super Bowl. Let's do it! pic.twitter.com/YLY3YUq57I
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 12, 2021
I will be ready 😬✌🏿🐆
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) August 13, 2021
The Super Bowl champ has also raced some of his teammates in the past, including fellow AFC speedster Mecole Hardman, whom he beat in a preseason training camp sprint off in 2020.
What is Tyreek Hill's 40-Yard Dash Time?
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The former fifth-round NFL Draft pick ran track and field in high school — where he caught the eye of ESPN — and college, in addition to his football career.
While the Pro Bowl wideout didn't participate in the 2016 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, he ran the 40-yard dash at West Alabama's Pro Day and recorded a blazing 4.29 mark. The NFL Combine record for the 40 is held by Cincinnati Bengals' 2018 first-round pick, John Ross, who clocked in at 4.22 seconds. For comparison, San Francisco 49ers running back Christia McCaffrey ran a 4.48 4-yard dash at his combine, while New York Jets killer Tom Brady ran a 5.17 40. That's almost a full second slower than Hill. Other players who have formerly laid claim to the title as fastest NFL player include former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds.
Hill, who is the first player drafted into the NFL out of West Alabama since the Cowboys drafted Ken Hutcherson in 1974, has had more than his fair share of explosive TDs against AFC foes.
In September 2018 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Hill broke free for a 57-yard reception, during which he was clocked at 21.95 MPH. That stood as a season record until it was broken by New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who broke the 22 MPH threshold on an 84-yard interception return against the Buffalo Bills.
Hill is just one offensive weapon for Mike McDaniel along with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and fellow speed demon Jaylen Waddle. He also just happens to be one of the fastest men in the league.
Whether it's at wide receiver or as a ball carrier, Tyreek Hill has put everyone on notice. Hill's speed shines, especially in the postseason, and he's ready to make history each time he touches the ball.
