NFL pulls credential of videographer involved in Tyreek Hill's TD cell phone backflip
The NFL has pulled the credential of the videographer who was involved in Tyreek Hill's viral cell-phone grab and backflip in the end zone following a touchdown catch in October.Kevin Fitzgibbons, 20, an NFL "content creator", took to TikTok on November 28 to share that he'd been suspended by the NFL for the remainder of the season because of that incident, which came during the Dolphins' home win over the Carolina Panthers on October 15. Hill was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and also fined $10,827 by the league.
Hill has run up a tab of "more than $100,000" in fines by the NFL this season. During the premiere episode of the in-season HBO's "Hard Knocks," an official tells Hill before the Raiders game to not flash the peace sign during any touchdown celebrations. Hill quote tweeted Fitzgibbons' TikTok, saying he would not comment over concern he would get fined.
On LinkedIn, Fitzgibbons is listed as having been a video editor with Rosenhaus Sports Representation since May of 2020. Drew Rosenhaus is Hill's agent. As seen in the TikTok post, Fitzgibbons identified himself as a "social" creator for Hill in his Instagram bio. "Social @ Cheetah" has been removed since Fitzgibbons made the spreading TikTok post that's now reached over 2.6 million views and 454,000 likes.Hill's 41-yard touchdown pass against the Panthers in the second quarter led to the celebration. Hill knew Fitzgibbons was stationed in that end zone at Hard Rock Stadium. He went up to him, took his cell phone and photographed himself doing a backflip before handing it back to Fitzgibbons.
In his post-game press conference, Hill said: "I seen the camera and I just took it from him. He didn't want me to take it from him. That's my boy, KFitz, man."
Update: Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill says he'll cover the salary of videographer suspended by NFL
Fitzgibbons, who also celebrated the play in the end zone, understood why he was disciplined."They said regardless if I knew the celebration was coming or not, I still had to be disciplined and that I shouldn't have jumped on the sidelines after the play," Fitzgibbons said in the video.
The sadness in Fitzgibbons voice was evident. Hill wasn't just a cool shot for his portfolio, but a friend. The two met years ago after Fitzgibbons started gaining notoriety on social media for the content he created for his high school basketball team at Rye High School in New York.
Fitzgibbons credits his networking abilities for his followings of over 150k on Instagram and 290k on TikTok, as well as how he was introduced to Hill, Saquon Barkley, Antonio Brown, and more.
"He noticed me and surprised me by grabbing my phone and doing a backflip," Fitzgibbons said. "It was the coolest moment ever."
Fitzgibbons said he proceeded to run into the tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium to "send the clip to the NFL."
"The NFL then let me know that I would be suspended for the remainder of the season, and possibly for good," Fitzgibbons said.
"One of the best moments of my life turned upside down in a matter of seconds."
University of Miami student covered all Dolphins home games
The exact date of when Fitzgibbons received his termination notice from the NFL is unknown. After applying with the league in 2022, the University of Miami student was assigned to cover all Dolphins home games.
Happy to be "instantly reunited" with Hill after his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs before that season, Fitzgibbons said he "had one of the greatest years" of his life.
"I get why the NFL had to make this decision and wish I could have done something to prevent it, but I'm thankful for the memory that Tyreek gave me," Fitzgibbons said. "This was the greatest job in the world and I never took a day for granted.
"I can't thank the NFL enough for the opportunity. Whether it's back with the NFL or starting a new sport, I just hope to get another chance at doing what I love."
The Post has reached out to Fitzgibbons for comment.
TikTok comment section reacts
TikTok user "Yep it's me" wrote beneath the post: "NFL blasted that clip everywhere though. Absolutely insane." The comment prompted 38,000 likes and counting.
Another top-performing reply, now sitting at upwards of 22,000 likes, came from TikTok user Adam Workman, who noted "the nfl still posts the video and makes money off of it."
Hockey content creator Andrew Tefler, who goes by "Nasher" on social media added a classic "FREE KFITZ."
Even Teen Mom star Kailyn Lowry chimed in on the issue.
"How can you be reprimanded AND they used it?"
Emilee Smarr is a sports reporter for the Palm Beach Post. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NFL pulls credential of videographer involved in Tyreek Hill's celebration
