NFL pulls videographer's media credential for involvement in Tyreek Hill's celebration

The NFL has pulled the credentials of a videographer who celebrated after Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill used his phone to celebrate a touchdown score earlier this season.

Kevin Fitzgibbons, a 20-year-old University of Miami student who says he’s been working Miami Dolphins games since 2022, released a video late Monday night about the league’s discipline toward him. The video garnered more than 380,000 views on Instagram and at least 13 million views on Twitter as of Tuesday.

The NFL confirmed Fitzgibbons’ stance when reached by USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.

“We can confirm that the league pulled his gameday credentials for this season,’ the NFL statement said. “The Dolphins were flagged 15 yards for Hill’s action that included a prop. He was not fined.”

The NFL-affiliated X – formerly Twitter – account @NFLUK posted Hill's selfie video but deleted the post shortly after.

Tyreek Hill records himself doing backflip after touchdown

Hill scored on a 41-yard touchdown from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the Dolphins’ 42-21 win over the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 15.

When Hill reached the end zone, he saw Fitzgibbons lined up at the back of the end zone and ran toward him to grab his phone and record himself doing a backflip.

"Yeah, that’s my boy K-Fitz. Yeah, that was him," Hill said when asked about the interaction.

What did NFL videographer say in video?

Fitzgibbons, who narrates the viral video, says:

“In Week 6 of the season, Tyreek scored a touchdown in the exact same corner of the end zone that I was filming in. He noticed me and surprised me by grabbing my phone and doing a backflip. It was the coolest moment ever. I ran in the tunnel to send the clip to the NFL. …”

“The NFL then let me know that I would be suspended for remainder of the season and possibly for good. 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.

“One of the best moments of my life turned upside-down in a matter of seconds,” Fitzgibbons added.

Fitzgibbons declined to be interviewed when contacted by USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.

What did Tyreek Hill say about videographer’s suspension?

Hill, who has worked with Fitzgibbons on video projects before, declined to comment on the situation on social media Tuesday.

“I would comment but I could get fined,” Hill posted on Twitter.

Miami Dolphins backup quarterback Mike White commented on the Instagram video, saying: "FREE MY GUY KFITZ MAN!"

LeBron James weighs in on NFL's suspension

NBA legend LeBron James says the NFL should “do better” after seeing news the league suspended Fitzgibbons.Talk about the power of social media.“Man, this is (expletive) up,” James said in an Instagram story post. “Suspended for the year and possibly for good! C’mon NFL! Do better! (Expletive) ain’t that serious.”Fitzgibbons reposted James’ post on his own Instagram account late Tuesday.

Contributing: Chris Bumbaca

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyreek Hill celebration costs videographer his credential with NFL