Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill engaged in some lighthearted banter with former NFL wide receiver and current Dolphins receivers coach Wes Welker on Saturday. Hill responded to a social media post contrasting a player’s hype with their actual skills by jokingly using Welker as an example.
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins
Hill’s tweet, which simply tagged Welker’s name in response to the post, was clearly meant in jest. In January, Hill publicly advocated for Welker to secure a more prominent coaching position, demonstrating his respect for the former receiver.
Welker’s NFL career spanned from 2004 to 2015, during which he played for five different teams, including the Miami Dolphins from 2004 to 2006. Undrafted out of Texas Tech, Welker initially signed with the San Diego Chargers but was released after a single game. He subsequently joined the Dolphins.
In his first season with Miami, Welker primarily contributed on special teams, amassing an impressive 1,313 kick return yards and one touchdown.
His role as a receiver expanded in the following seasons. In 2005, he recorded 29 receptions for 434 yards, and in 2006, he further increased his production with 67 catches for 687 yards and a touchdown.
Welker’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he signed with the New England Patriots in 2007. Over the next six seasons, he became a crucial component of the Patriots’ offense, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2008-2012) and two First-Team All-Pro honors. He led the league in receptions three times during this period, with a peak of 123 catches in 2009.
His most statistically impressive season came in 2011, when he accumulated 122 receptions for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns. Following his tenure with the Patriots, Welker played for the Denver Broncos for two seasons before concluding his playing career with the St. Louis Rams in 2015.
Welker transitioned to coaching in 2017, starting as an offensive assistant with the Houston Texans for two years. He then joined the San Francisco 49ers as their wide receivers coach in 2019, where he remained for three seasons. In 2022, Welker returned to the Dolphins as a coach, coinciding with Hill’s arrival in Miami.
Hill, who began his NFL journey with the Kansas City Chiefs, has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his eight seasons and has garnered First-Team All-Pro recognition five times.
In the 2023 season, Hill showcased his exceptional talent by leading the league in receiving yards (1,799) and receiving touchdowns (13), while also securing 119 receptions.
While Hill has consistently been a top-tier receiver, the guidance of a seasoned veteran and accomplished player like Wes Welker has undoubtedly contributed to his continued development and refinement of his skills. The playful exchange between the two highlights the positive and supportive relationship within the Dolphins’ coaching staff and receiving corps.
