“It’s been a long time coming. I said I was going to get this since I was a rookie, bro.” Tyreek Hill‘s prophetic words from years ago have finally come true, and no one seems prouder than his wife, Keeta Vaccaro. Keeta today shared a nostalgic snippet as the WR etched his name in NFL history by taking the first berth in the NFL Top 100.
Keeta Vaccaro shared the caption “So proud of you” on her Instagram story. It showcased Hill’s audacious challenge to NFL legend Tom Brady from his rookie year. The video cleverly juxtaposed Hill’s youthful bravado with his recent triumph, cutting from a fresh-faced Hill calling out the 7x Super Bowl Champion to the seasoned pro holding the NFL No. 1 trophy. “I belong number one over Tom Brady. Tom Brady, I’m calling you out. I’m number one. Cheetah,” Hill declared in the throwback clip.
This trip down memory lane isn’t just about Hill’s professional achievements. It’s a testament to the strong bond between Tyreek and Keeta. The couple has been making waves off the field too, recently announcing they’re expecting their first child together. From exotic vacations to Keeta’s unwavering support at Dolphins training camps, their relationship seems to be the bedrock of Hill’s success.
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Tyreek Hill was feeling himself after finding out he got the top spot in the #NFLTop100 😂 (@nfl)pic.twitter.com/ynezQ3eMia https://t.co/7krWuWTIvO
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 3, 2024
Interestingly, Hill’s connection to Brady goes beyond that rookie-year callout. At the Dolphins‘ 2024 training camp, Hill drew parallels between himself and the GOAT. Both were late-round draft picks (Hill in the fifth, Brady in the sixth) who defied expectations. Hill even credited Brady’s legendary work ethic as an inspiration, revealing he underwent stem cell therapy in Antigua to maintain peak performance at 30.
But Hill’s journey to the top hasn’t been without controversy. In November 2023, he respectfully disagreed with Brady’s comments about “mediocrity” in today’s NFL. Hill argued that the league was prioritizing player safety, stating, “I think this is the best way to be able to play football, I think it’s safe for guys to not fully get their heads taken off.” Despite the disagreements and inspiration, through hard work and great results, Hill has managed to create history.
Cheetah’s sprint to the top
Hill’s ascent to the No. 1 spot in the NFL Top 100 is unprecedented. He’s the first wide receiver to top the list since its inception in 2015, breaking the quarterback monopoly. His 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular, leading the league with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
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What makes Hill’s achievement even more remarkable is the company he beat out. He leapfrogged quarterback heavyweights like Patrick Mahomes (No. 4) and Lamar Jackson (No. 2). The top 10 list reads like a who’s who of NFL talent, including defensive standouts like Myles Garrett and Chris Jones, and offensive juggernauts like Christian McCaffrey and Travis Kelce.
Hill’s reaction to his No. 1 ranking was priceless. In a video shared by the NFL, teammate Raheem Mostert broke the news. Hill’s response? Pure, unfiltered joy. “You lying. No, you’re not. You f**king lying, boy!” he exclaimed, bouncing around like a kid on Christmas morning. His immediate instinct was to call his mother, shouting, “Tyreek Mother Truckin Hill, baby!”
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This moment of triumph is particularly sweet when viewed through the lens of Hill’s history with Brady. Back in 2020, Hill boldly declared his intention to chase Michael Jordan’s seven rings, seemingly dismissing Brady’s then-six Super Bowl victories. Brady, known for his long memory and competitive fire, responded by leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory over then-Hill’s Chiefs in 2021.
Now, with Hill at the pinnacle of the NFL Top 100 and Brady retired, it seems the Cheetah has had the last laugh. From a rookie with a big mouth to the NFL’s top-ranked player, Hill’s journey is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the unwavering support of his family. As Hill himself put it, “I think I’m Soulja Boy at this point, bro.” And who can argue with that?