League suspends credentials of employee involved in Hill's backflip celebration

The NFL suspended the credentials of an employee who orchestrated a touchdown celebration with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill that went viral.

"We can confirm that the league pulled his gameday credentials for this season," the league said in a letter to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

Kevin Fitzgibbons, a content creator, was hired in 2022 to cover the Dolphins' home games and continued to do so during the 2023 season. The 20-year-old was involved in Hill's backflip celebration, which came after he scored against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.

Miami's star was penalized for his actions but wasn't fined by the league.

The 20-year-old said that Hill surprised him by grabbing his phone.

The league informed Fitzgibbons that, regardless of whether or not he knew about the celebration, he had to be disciplined and "shouldn't have jumped on the sidelines after the play."

Hill, who is known for elaborate celebrations, declined to comment on the situation out of fear of being fined by the league. The seven-time Pro Bowler has already drawn several fines throughout the season for his celebrations.

Fitzgibbons worked with NFL stars such as Hill and Saquon Barkley prior to landing his job with the league in which he covers the Dolphins. He called the 2022 season one of the "greatest years of my life," as he got to work with Hill after Miami acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Fitzgibbons said that he understands why the league made their decision and remains optimistic that he can continue his career with the league or elsewhere.

"I hope to get another chance at doing what I love," he said.