Celebrating comes with a price tag, it seems.
Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins wide receiver, declared on Thursday his intention to cover the suspended salary of photographer Kevin Fitzgibbons. Fitzgibbons faced NFL suspension due to his involvement in one of Hill’s touchdown celebrations earlier in the season.
During Week 6, after scoring against the Panthers, Hill ran to Fitzgibbons in the back of the end zone, took the photographer’s phone, and snapped a selfie while executing a backflip. This lively celebration garnered an enthusiastic response from Fitzgibbons.
In a social media post that quickly went viral on Tuesday, Fitzgibbons revealed that the NFL had suspended his credentials for the remainder of the season, and possibly longer.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Hill shared his decision to compensate Fitzgibbons for his lost wages. Hill emphasized their long-standing history, expressing support and encouragement for the young photographer.
“Me and K-Fitz, we’ve got a long history together. The news is something that I already knew. I told him don’t let this get to you. Just hold your head up. You’re still young. Continue to do what you love. Me and him are going to continue to work together,” Hill stated via ESPN.
He further committed to covering Fitzgibbons’ salary, ensuring that the photographer would not be left without employment due to the NFL’s decision. Hill affirmed, “That’s my guy.”
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Fitzgibbons, a 20-year-old student at the University of Miami contracted by the NFL since 2022, described the celebration as one of the best moments of his life, albeit turned upside down in a matter of seconds. Despite understanding the NFL’s decision, he expressed gratitude for Hill’s support.
Tyreek Hill, known for his dynamic on-field performances, once again finds himself at the center of attention.
