Miami Dolphins fans flip for arrival of Tyreek Hill and sold-out season tickets
MIAMI GARDENS — Jerseys emblazoned with 10's swarmed Baptist Health Training Complex on day four of Miami's training camp – the first practice open to fans. Dolphins fans first glimpse of the man behind the number, Tyreek Hill, was one to make you check your pulse on Saturday.
Waiting to file to their seats or orange and teal viewing cabanas, fans anticipated their first cheers for the Pro Bowl receiver would come as a result of a perfectly-pitched pass from Tua Tagovailoa. Instead, Hill drew thunderous applause upon bolting out of the indoor facility pumping his arms in the air, doing a back flip and swiping the microphone at the sideline nearest the stands.
"Get your popcorn ready," Hill said.
Safety Brandon Jones said the team knew Hill was going to "pump the crowd up."
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"I ain't know he was gonna do a back flip," Jones said, recalling thinking, "that might actually be really good for a warmup."
Rookie offensive lineman Blaise Andries added fuel to the fire by smashing two canned energy drinks together.
All of the fanfare warranted a "We’re going to be good! We’re actually going to be good!” from the crowd.
Even though Tagovailoa's first pass of the day – intended for Hill – fell short, fans eventually got to see the hands that helped Kansas City to six straight playoff appearances before being traded to Miami in March.
Hill contorted himself for a sideline snag and caught a rare Tagovailoa deep ball for a 65-yard touchdown, previewing what Hard Rock Stadium's sold-out seats for season ticket holders could see when the Patriots visit Miami Week 1.
Lifelong fan and Miami native Valentina Garcia stood at the barrier between the end zone and the fans catching clips of practice on her phone. She said she's "excited for Hill" as a trustworthy target for Tagovailoa and plans to add the receiver's jersey to her collection this season.
"In Tua we trust," Garcia said, hyped to attend another practice on Tuesday and expecting Dolphins games to be just as crowded.
Wearing Hill's Dolphins garb with his former Chiefs threads in tow, Edward Carrillo of Miami shared Garcia's excitement about the expansion of the receiver room. Carrillo said Hill's addition was something the Dolphins needed and voiced how ready he was to see the six-time Pro Bowler in action for the first time.
"It'll make a huge difference. And a packed stadium? Hell yeah," Carrillo said.
Fellow proud 10 jersey owner Matthew Schmeltzer of Boca Raton "can't wait" to see Hill suit up for the Dolphins – and hopefully make it off the waitlist for season tickets.
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Returning Fan Day attendees Steve Giordano and family are happy to have more fans around, regardless of the wait for season tickets. Especially for a "homefield advantage" Hard Rock's relatively barren seats in years past have failed to provide.
Giordano sent a message to Tagovailoa, saying "Don't listen to all the negativity. Stay positive. Have a clear mindset. Put in the work every day and you'll find success."
Schmeltzer added that everyone is excited about the upcoming season.
"Everyone's excited for Tua. It's going to be a good year," Schmeltzer said.
"We're going to the playoffs."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins fans excited about Tyreek Hill, sold-out season tickets
