Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill on Sunday became the first player to reach 1,000 receiving yards in the first eight games of the season during the NFL’s Super Bowl era.
Hill caught a 7-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter against the New England Patriots to raise his yardage to 1,005 for the season. He finished the day at 112 yards in the 31-17 home victory and has 1,014 for the campaign.
“It feels great,” Hill said of the eight-game milestone. ” I’ve been calling my shot since I came into the league. A lot of people doubted me and said I couldn’t do this and couldn’t do that. It’s all about believing in yourself. That’s the one thing my dad and mom always taught me. And here I am today.”
Hill has his sights on producing the first 2,000-yard season in NFL history. The 1,000-yard season is the sixth of his career.
Hill caught his eighth touchdown pass of the season on Sunday. He also has 61 receptions.
Hill is thriving in his second season with Miami after playing six seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. He said he is wiser now at age 29.
“I just know a whole lot more,” Hill said. “When you come into the league, you’re trying to find where you fit and understand how the game is played. But I’ve been able to larn from other veterans in the past locker room I was in and apply it here. I know a lot more now. … I am light years ahead of where I was then.”
Hill will see his former teammates next Sunday when the Dolphins and Chiefs meet at Frankfurt, Germany.
Three other players have reached 1,000 in eight games from earlier times in football history.
Hall of Famers Don Hutson (1942, Green Bay Packers) and Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch (1951, Los Angeles Rams) did so in the NFL and Charley Hennigan (1961 Houston Oilers) accomplished it in the former American Football League.