The Indianapolis Colts’ schedule release just made waves, and not for the right reasons. In a now-deleted Minecraft-style animated video, the Colts appeared to mock Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill by referencing his brief 2023 arrest.
The clip, which served as their Week 1 matchup announcement, featured a dolphin wearing a #10 jersey with the name “Hill,” unmistakably a nod to Tyreek, being apprehended by the Coast Guard mid-swim.
Here’s the reposted video making rounds:
The animation wasn’t subtle. A dolphin. A #10 jersey. The name “Hill.” Fans immediately connected the dots, recalling Hill’s 2024 run-in with Miami-Dade police after a speeding violation. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from laughter to outright outrage.
Why the Shade at Tyreek Hill?
Tyreek Hill was briefly detained before the Dolphins’ 2024 season opener. The charges? Speeding, careless driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Bodycam footage showed him being handcuffed outside Hard Rock Stadium. The case was later dismissed, not because of a lack of merit, but because the officer failed to show up in court.
“If I wasn’t Tyreek Hill, Lord knows… worst-case scenario, I would have been shot or would have been locked up… for a simple speeding ticket,” Hill told reporters in a post-dismissal interview. “That’s crazy that officers would take it to that level.”
The Colts likely thought the reference would be seen as edgy humor, part of the recent trend of teams creating viral schedule releases. Instead, they received backlash for making light of a serious situation involving racial profiling, law enforcement, and celebrity treatment.
Colts Quietly Pivot After the Backlash
Following the backlash, the Colts wiped the video and instead released a comic-style image carousel, featuring their mascot stomping rival teams. No more dolphins in cuffs.
But the damage was already done.
Now fans are asking: Was this just another tone-deaf attempt at going viral, or a deliberate jab gone too far?
In the ever-escalating world of social media stunts, the Colts may have just found the line, and stepped over it. Whether you’re team “too far” or “fair game,” one thing’s clear; Tyreek Hill will have extra motivation when he meets the Colts in Week 1.
All eyes on that game.
