On July 24, Nyheim Hines suffered an off-field season-ending injury.
And 120 days later, he publicly shared all the trials, tribulations, and mental anguish he suffered in that time to The Athletic.
Hines was traded to the Buffalo Bills from the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. Former Bills running back Zack Moss, who had a strong rookie year before injuries curtailed his availability, was the piece going the other way.
Hines became a part of Bills folklore with not one, but two kickoff returns for a touchdown last season against the New England Patriots, and general manager Brandon Beane expected Hines to feature more in the offense after his success in the special teams in 2022.
“It’s not like I can go out and find another Nyheim Hines.” said Beane after the accident when asked by reporters how he plans to replace the injured running back.
Some expected Hines to feature more this season as well. Unfortunately, one hot July day on the lake would change everything.
The details of what happened were always a little unclear. It was understood that there was a jet ski accident that was the cause of injury, and that he would be unavailable for the rest of the season. A huge blow to his continued success here at Buffalo.
In the incident, one of Hines’ friends did not see him turn his jet ski on the water and crashed into him going somewhere between 20 and 40 mph. Then when Hines when to go workout, somehow his leg, the side of his body not contacted by the other jet ski, was bothering him.
A MRI result showed Hines tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee.
Per Hines, he was bare even using the water craft that weekend, he just wanted to be a good friend and fill it with more gas for everyone else. Then the accident.
Hines detailed a difficult rehab process, specifically the first two weeks after his surgery.
“This will be a heck of a story when it’s over, I’m gonna make sure of it.” said Hines.
At one time, there was speculation that Hines and the Bills were at odds. Turns out, they are not. After placing a player on the NFI list, a team doesn’t need to pay him.
But in the end, good faith in Buffalo paid out. According to The Athletic’s report, Hines and the Bills agreed upon a sum and all-in-all, he’s motivated to make 2024 count even more now.
[lawrence-related id=127775,127743,127763]