When Tyreek Hill cracked that zingy “Ozempic” joke about Tua Tagovailoa‘s slimmed-down frame, you could practically hear Mike McDaniel’s eyes roll. The Dolphins‘ head coach knows the Tua’s been putting in that mamba mentality work, reshaping his body to take his game to the next level. But Hill’s playful jab? McDaniel admitted, “I was literally mad like man I should have thought of that joke it’s so topical.”

During today’s pre-practice session presser, McDaniel gave props to Tagovailoa for “finding another level” through his dedication in the offseason grind. “He’s really taken his diet seriously…He hasn’t done things to lose weight, he’s done things to stay in shape.” A subtle nod that this physical reboot isn’t just about dropping LBs, but unlocking that next gear on the field.

Yet, even as McDaniel applauded Tagovailoa’s commitment, you could sense that Ozempic quip still stinging a bit. “I’m okay not being the tallest guy or the most physically imposing,” the coach lamented, “but like to have like a lesser joke and and I caught wind of you know reeks and that was so strong…”

Beneath the banter, though, lies a calculated move by Tua – one that could potentially “create more flexibility and power,” as McDaniel put it.

Of course, Tagovailoa’s other teammates have taken notice, with reactions ranging from genuine support to that trademark NFL locker room razzing. Jaylen Waddle quipped, “I told him, ‘I miss chubby Tua, man,” while Hill’s viral “Ozempic” line quickly became the talk of South Beach.

Tua’s weight loss journey amidst his and Tyreek Hill’s contract uncertainty!

“Seeing him now and where he’s come from and how skinny he has gotten — what’s that stuff everybody is taking? Ozempic? He had to be taking that, I don’t know.” Hill quipped to the media about Tagovailoa’s transformation. Humor aside, this change doesn’t seem to be fueled by a hunger for gridiron greatness only; it’s also inextricably tied to his looming contract negotiations.

As he enters the final year of his rookie deal, that leaner, more mobile version of himself could be the key to securing a monster payday. Just ask his draft-mates like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, who’ve already reset the QB market with their megadeals. There’s a palpable sense of belief in Tua’s ability to ball out at the highest level. As Hill himself acknowledged, “Tua should’ve been paid…I feel like Tua is supposed to be up there with some of those guys and past some of those guys.”

And speaking of Hill’s own contract sitch? Well, the Cheetah’s making it rain, leading the league in receiving yards (1,799) and TDs (13) last season. But with receivers like Justin Jefferson resetting the market, Hill’s letting his agent handle the negotiations, focused on “continuing to do whatever I can to help this team win.”

Whether it’s through a restructuring or a new deal entirely, Hill wants to stick around Miami for the long haul. “I want to be able to help the team as much as I can,” he stated, “and obviously we know being greedy (doesn’t) help the team.”

So as Tua Tagovailoa navigates his contract complexities amidst this physical revamp, he’s got a locker room full of brothers watching his back – even if that means cracking a few Dad jokes about his summer body. In the unforgiving realm of the NFL, where fortunes can turn on a dime, a little levity amidst the grind can go a long way.