Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently revealed that him going to the New York Jets was close to happening, but he chose the Dolphins because of state taxes.
Tyreek Hill via Miami Dolphins YouTube
During a press conference, Hill was asked how close he was to joining the Jets during the off season.
He responded, “You know what it was very close to happening, man. But it’s just those state taxes, man. I realized I had to make a grown up decision and here I am in the great city of Miami. Great weather, great people. We’re beautiful people, I feel like. So here I am.”
The New York Jets play at MetLife Stadium which is actually located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Given they play in New Jersey, Hill would have to pay New Jersey’s astronomical 10.75 percent personal income tax the state hits people who earn more than $5 million per year.
In contrast, Florida does not have a state income tax. Given Hill is reported to be making an average of $30 million per year for the next four years, the state would be taking $3.225 million from him in taxes.
Tyreek Hill via Miami Dolphins YouTube
Interestingly, Hill previously indicated a deal with the Jets wasn’t in the cards asking, “How close was I? Who? The Jets? … I knew I was going to pick Miami no matter what because I’m basically from here, I’m here all the time. This is home for me, for us.”
Mike Garafolo Twitter
However, his agent Drew Rosenhaus had previously indicated a deal with the Jets was close to being done, but the Dolphins came in to secure Hill.
Rosenhaus said, “There was a time when we were talking to [the Jets] — it was almost a done deal.”
“So the Dolphins got in in the nick of time there to get this done, and I give them a lot of credit because a lot goes into this type of contract,” Rosenhaus added.
Tyreek Hill via Miami Dolphins YouTube
Hill currently leads the entire NFL in receiving yards with 477 through four weeks. He’s fifth in yards after catch with 173. He’s caught a total of 31 passes while being targeted 43 times. His average reception is 14.4 yards and he leads the league with 8 receptions over 20 yards. He’s also scored two touchdowns.
Hill and the Dolphins will have their work cut out for them when they play the New York Jets this upcoming weekend. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will not be playing after suffering a concussion in their Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tyreek Hill via Miami Dolphins YouTube
Teddy Bridgewater is expected to start the game. So far this year he’s played in two games albeit he only made two pass attempts in the Dolphins game against the Buffalo Bills. After Tagovailoa went out of the game against the Bengals he went 14 for 23 for 193 yards with one touchdown and one interception. It wasn’t good enough to win the game as the Dolphins suffered their first loss, losing 27-15.
Despite Tagovailoa being out, the Dolphins are currently favored by the oddsmakers as a 3 point favorite.
Tyreek Hill via Miami Dolphins YouTube
What do you make of Hill’s comments about choosing the Dolphins over the Jets due to the state taxes?
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