As the Miami Dolphins and wide receiver Tyreek Hill prepare for frigid conditions in Saturday’s playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the All-Pro offensive weapon will also be dealing with the fallout from a devastating fire in his home.
Hill, 29, was forced to leave practice on Jan. 3 after learning his home was on fire. Upon arriving at the scene, Hill could only watch as firefighters battled the massive blaze upstairs in his Miami mansion. While everyone in the house made it out safely, significant damage was done to the home.
- Tyreek Hill stats 2023: 119 receptions, 1,799 receiving yards, 13 receiving touchdowns, 15.1 ypr
Related: Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs could be one of coldest-ever playoff games
Fire officials determined that the fire was caused by a child playing with a lighter in the bedroom. A toy caught on fire and out of fear, one of Hill’s children threw it and the two of them ran out of the room. An accident led to engulfed flames that destroyed a section of the home and forced Hill’s family to relocate. While the Pro Bowl wideout has found temporary residence, he’s still facing massive damages from the fire.
In the latest episode of Hard Knocks, cameras captured Hill telling his teammates in the receiver room along with wide receivers coach Wes Welker about what happened. It’s estimated that the fire caused $2.3 million in damages to the home.
“It’s done. The house done, bro. Smoke damage, fire damage. The whole upstairs is burnt down. It’s alright though.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the damage to his mansion (H/T New York Post)
Hill originally purchased the home in 2022 for $6.9 million. It took firefighters 45 minutes to put out the blaze, which left a significant portion of the upstairs severely damaged by either fire or smoke. Based on the estimated costs of damages, Hill will likely have the home demolished.
Poised to earn a $21.835 million salary in 2024 with a $5.1 million signing bonus, Hill has previously stated his intentions to retire after his contract expires in 2026. Considering how well he played this season, however, it’s possible Hill keeps playing beyond his age-32 season.
