Dan Orlovsky isn’t one to mince words, and on Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” the NFL analyst didn’t hold back when discussing Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
On Jan. 6, after a stunning season-finale loss to the New York Jets that eliminated Miami from the playoffs, Hill said peace to the Dolphins. This after taking himself out of the game before the fourth quarter.
Tyreek Hill’s Departure From Kansas City: A Money Move
Orlovsky delivered a passionate rant, calling out Hill for leaving the Kansas City Chiefs for a bigger payday in 2022 and later expressing frustration over Miami’s lack of postseason success.
“You can’t leave the winner for money and then complain when you don’t win,” Orlovsky said, setting the tone for a fiery critique of Hill’s decision to leave a dynasty in Kansas City for Miami’s sunny shores.
Hill’s departure from Kansas City in 2022 sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Chiefs, fresh off another deep playoff run, were keen on keeping their electrifying receiver. According to Orlovsky, Kansas City tried to retain Hill, offering him a lucrative deal.
“I love Tyreek,” said Orlovsky. “Obviously, he’s an unbelievable player, but you left Kansas City because you wanted more money,” Orlovsky continued.
“Kansas City tried to keep ya; they offered ya money. And you left because you wanted the money and go with Miami — rightfully so. But then you can’t complain that you’re not winning as much as you did in Kansas City.”
Hill’s six seasons in Kansas City were nothing short of extraordinary. Teaming up with quarterbacks Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes, Hill racked up 479 receptions, 6,630 yards, and 56 touchdowns in just 91 games. His game-breaking speed and ability to turn short passes into explosive plays made him a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, culminating in a Super Bowl 54 victory in the 2019 season.
Success for Hill in Miami, But at What Cost?
After his blockbuster trade to the Dolphins, Hill quickly proved he could dominate outside of Kansas City. In just three seasons with Miami, he caught 319 passes for 4,468 yards and 26 touchdowns — numbers that highlight his consistency and explosiveness.
However, Orlovsky argued that leaving the Chiefs came at a cost. While Kansas City has remained a perennial contender, winning another Super Bowl in Hill’s absence, Miami has struggled to find consistent postseason success.
“[Miami] was one game away from getting to the playoffs this year. Last year, the injuries. That’s the big thing that Tyreek and Miami need to figure out,” Orlovsky said, pointing to the team’s challenges with keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa healthy and building a defense capable of competing at the highest level.
For Hill, the frustration seems to stem from the contrast between the Chiefs’ consistent dominance and the Dolphins’ inability to reach those same heights. But as Orlovsky pointed out, that disparity was foreseeable.
“You can’t choose to leave the all-time winner and complain about it,” Orlovsky concluded, driving home his point that Hill’s frustrations may be the inevitable tradeoff of prioritizing a bigger paycheck over staying with a proven winner.
Looking Ahead: Can Hill and Dolphins Close the Gap?
Despite Orlovsky’s criticism, the Dolphins remain an intriguing team heading into the 2025 offseason. With a healthy Tua and an offense that features Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and emerging stars, Miami has the potential to be a legitimate contender.
As Orlovsky noted, the key will be to figure out how to keep Hill happy in Miami and overcome injuries and inconsistencies. If the Dolphins can do this, Hill may find himself back in the playoffs — and perhaps even silence critics like Orlovsky.
Until then, Hill’s pending from Miami will remain a hot topic in NFL circles. His time with the Fins has been individually successful, but as Orlovsky so bluntly put it, “You can’t leave the winner for money and then complain when you don’t win.”