Tyreek Hill seemed surprisingly upbeat following a severe season-ending leg injury on Monday, but a former teammate explains he had no alternative.

Ex-Dolphins offensive lineman Terron Armstead disclosed to TMZ Sports on Tuesday that Hill resorted to laughter as a means to prevent himself from fainting due to the intense pain.

Armstead, who played three seasons in Miami from 2022-24 before retiring before the 2025 season, shared details of a phone conversation with Hill that took place just hours after the star wide receiver was carted off the field during the Dolphins’ 27-21 victory over the Jets on Monday night.

Hill was in “good spirits,” according to Armstead, and explained that he smiled, laughed and clapped his way off the field so he didn’t lose consciousness.

“He was laughing through the pain,” Armstead said. “Because it was either that or pass out.”

The All-Pro wideout wrecked his leg after taking an excruciating fall on a sideline tackle in the third quarter.

Hill tore several ligaments in his dislocated left knee, including his ACL, and underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the devastating injury. 

An optimistic Hill posted his first public comments ahead of the procedure, thanking Dolphins fans, teammates and the NFL for the outpouring of support. 

“Alright, guys. Tyreek Hill here, The Cheetah,” Hill said in a video from his hospital bed, posted to X Tuesday. “You guys have been awesome, man. Fins Nation, just the whole entire NFL has been amazing, sending me lots of love, lots of prayers. I’m absolutely honored, man.”

Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed to ESPN insider Adam Schefter that the surgery was a success, no additional operations are required and the former Super Bowl champion will play next season — calming initial fears that he would miss all of 2026. 

“He’s someone that will attack this rehab full throttle,” Armstead said, “and do his best to be back to the Tyreek Hill that we know.”