KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Turns out ‘Cheetah’ runs faster with a chip on his shoulder.
Preparing for a second Super Bowl in as many years, Kansas City Chiefs players and coaches shared stories of wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s work ethic and competitive drive.
“He has worked so hard this year and I think we've all seen that,” coach Andy Reid said. “His dependability and reliability ... working hard every day, timing with the quarterback every day ... that takes a certain amount of toughness and determination to get yourself to that point.”
Andy Reid impressed by #Chiefs Tyreek Hill's consistency
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) February 3, 2021
"On the field every day, working every day, timing with the quarterback every day" pic.twitter.com/YDrCtiEOPN
Before a matchup with Hill in 2018, then-Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey shot down any hype surrounding a ‘best of’ matchup between the two.
“He’s good for what he does for his team. He made All-Pro as a return specialist, let’s get that right,” Ramsey told reporters.
Since then Hill has elevated his game, scoring 31 touchdowns and bringing an explosive element to an already high-powered Kansas City offense.
The now five-time All-Pro wide receiver often cheekily reminds reporters he’s "just a return specialist." But after a bumpy ride to and through the pros, one thing remains the same according to Hill: work ethic.
“Just work hard, man,” Hill told reporters on Super Bowl Opening Night. “Each and every week. It doesn't matter if you're tired or anything, just come to work prepared to work."
Those around him say the work behind the scenes pays off in prime time.
“He wants to take every single rep,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “You hear about that with all the great receivers, but to see it firsthand. I mean, it's truly a special thing.”
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