Hall of Famer says Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill could win MVP
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has amazed Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
"I think he has a legitimate chance of maybe getting 2,000 yards," the NFL's all-time leader in receptions said Tuesday, per Yahoo Sports. "I think he's excited about the opportunity of being the MVP. That could happen. It doesn't happen that often as a WR, but I think he has a legitimate chance of making it happen."
A WR has never won MVP in the award's 70-year history. Rice almost won it in 1987 but lost to former Denver Broncos quarterback and fellow HOFer John Elway by six votes.
While Hill has been monumental this season, he probably won't become the first wideout to win it. OddsChecker gives him the 11th-best odds (+5000) to win the award.
However, the seven-time Pro Bowler could surpass the 2000-yard mark, breaking the record HOFer Calvin Johnson set in 2012 (1,964 yards in 16 games).
This season, he leads the NFL in receiving yards (128.9 yards per game). If he maintains this average, he will finish with 2,191 yards.
"He doesn't believe that hey, look, you can cover me," Rice said of Hill. "He's not only just blowing by defenders on the outside. He's making plays over the middle. He's doing everything."
Plus, Hill plays in an offense that lends itself to record-breaking. Miami leads the league in passing yards (300 yards per game) and points scored (34.3 points per game).
So don't be surprised if Hill has one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. It will also increase the chance he will join Rice in the HOF after he retires.
Per Pro Football Reference's Hall of Fame monitor, his score is 70.33 below average for a WR (103.63), yet it will change if he sets a record.
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