A 20-year-old sports content creator who struck up a friendship with star Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill is no longer allowed on the sidelines during NFL games for this season after celebrating as Hill used his camera for a viral backflip touchdown celebration, the league confirmed Wednesday.
Kevin Fitzgibbons, one of 116 people contracted by the league to collect content for clubs, had his game day media credential revoked, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. The league “offered him the opportunity to continue collecting content on other projects,” McCarthy added.
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Fitzgibbons, who posts NFL content on social media under the username “KFitz,” drew strong reactions after he posted a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, explaining how what he described as one of the best moments of his life had soured. Fitzgibbons said he was suspended for the season and “possibly for good” after he got excited when Hill used his phone to take video of the celebration during the Dolphins’ rout of the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 15.
Miami was penalized 15 yards because of Hill’s use of an external prop during the celebration. Fitzgibbons said he immediately ran into the tunnel to send the video clip from Hill’s point of view to the league. It was briefly posted by the @NFLUK account on X before being deleted.
Fitzgibbons, who did not return a message seeking comment on Wednesday, said in his video that the league told him he “had to be disciplined” regardless of whether he knew the celebration was coming, and that he should not have been jumping around and celebrating with Hill.
The journey continues… pic.twitter.com/QsrXjI0eeE
— kfitz (@kfitzsports) November 29, 2023
Fitzgibbons, a student at the University of Miami, said in the video he and Hill had become friends through other content creation work before Hill was traded to Miami from the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2022 season.
Hill addressed the celebration after the game. “I seen the camera, and I just took it from him. And he didn’t want me to take it from him,” he said, adding: “That’s my boy KFitz, man.”
Fitzgibbons said he hoped for a chance to get back on the sidelines.
“One of the best moments of my life turned upside down in a matter of seconds,” Fitzgibbons said. “I get why the NFL had to make this decision and wish I could’ve done something to prevent it, but I’m thankful for the memory Tyreek gave me.
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“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.”
Hill responded to Fitzgibbons’ video on X by saying: “I would comment but I could get fined.”
(Photo: Rich Storry / Getty Images)