No softballs for Tyreek Hill.
Tyreek Hill has had the rare opportunity to catch passes from two of the NFL’s standout quarterbacks during his illustrious career. While with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hill was on the receiving end of throws from Patrick Mahomes, a quarterback whose dynamic play has already secured back-to-back Super Bowl victories. More recently, after his move to the Miami Dolphins, Hill has been catching passes from Tua Tagovailoa, the former Alabama Crimson Tide standout who is carving out his own reputation in the league.
This unique perspective places Hill in an interesting position to compare two high-caliber athletes, a topic that came up during a children’s camp Hill was hosting in Rochester. During the Q&A session, a bold young attendee posed a challenging question to Hill: “Patrick Mahomes or Tua?”
A reporter at the event captured the moment, tweeting, “Tyreek Hill is taking questions from kids at his camp in Rochester. First kid comes out swinging—’Patrick Mahomes or Tua?'” This put Hill in a delicate situation, especially given the presence of many cameras and an attentive audience.
Faced with a potentially divisive question, Hill chose diplomacy over preference. He tactfully responded by expressing his fondness for both quarterbacks and cleverly pleaded the fifth, sidestepping any potential controversy. “He said there were a lot of cameras around, so he just answered that he likes them both and pleaded the fifth,” the reporter noted.
While Hill’s response might hint to some that Mahomes could be his preferred quarterback, it’s understandable why he would avoid making a definitive public choice.
Patrick Mahomes, with his exceptional track record and recognition as one of the NFL’s all-time greats, sets a high bar. Tua Tagovailoa, on the other hand, is displaying significant growth and potential, although he is still evolving as a player and has yet to reach the heights of Mahomes’s achievements.
Hill’s diplomatic answer reflects not just a respect for both of his quarterbacks’ abilities but also a keen awareness of his role as a teammate and a public figure.
This careful navigation of a tricky question showcases his professionalism and his understanding that in the world of sports, loyalty and respect for all teammates—past and present—are paramount.