BREAKING NEWS: Ex-Bills RB Sends 4-Word Message on Freak Accident That Ended His Season

Following a devastating jet ski accident that prematurely ended his 2023 season, running back Nyheim Hines is now emphasizing a straightforward message — “I’ve gained valuable insights from this experience.”

Having sustained a torn ACL in July 2023 after his jet ski collided with another driver, the former Buffalo Bills running back faced a season-ending injury and entered into a dispute with the team regarding owed pay. Eventually, the Bills and Hines parted ways, leading him to secure a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.

During an appearance on the Up & Adams Show on April 1, Hines candidly discussed the accident and the significant lessons he has extracted from it.

Nyheim Hines Blames Himself

In a conversation with The Athletic’s Zak Keefer in November 2023, Hines clarified that he wasn’t operating the jet ski during the accident. Instead, he mentioned that he had intended to refill it with gas at the marina before returning it to friends. Hines emphasized that he was stationary on the jet ski when it was unexpectedly struck by another driver, resulting in a severe leg injury.

During his appearance on April 1, Hines took ownership of the fact that he had placed himself in a precarious situation that exposed him to the risk of injury. He expressed a commitment to avoiding such situations in the future, stating, “I could do better not putting myself in that situation. It was a freak accident, but I’ve learned my lessons from that mistake. I won’t put myself in the situation to even miss the season off the field.”

Acknowledging his own role in the incident, Hines emphasized personal accountability by stating, “Based off that, I could say whatever I want to about the Bills, but really it’s on me. I shouldn’t have put myself in that situation.”

While there seemed to be tension between Hines and the Bills following the incident, with his agent reportedly raising concerns about the money owed to him, Hines later informed The Athletic that both parties were able to resolve the matter amicably.

Reflecting on the situation in November, Hines remarked, “We were both upset, both parties were upset. I didn’t expect for that to happen. They didn’t expect for this to happen. We both had big plans for myself. And they know I hold myself accountable, and they knew that this is gonna kill me more than it kills them.”

Speedy Back Ready to Return

During his recent appearance, Hines shared positive updates on his rehabilitation progress, noting that he feels significantly better compared to just a month ago when running at full speed was challenging.

Reflecting on the difficulties of ACL surgery, Hines remarked, “I don’t wish an ACL surgery on anybody. It’s tough the first two or three months, but you start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in Month 4, 5, 6, 7.”

Former #Bills RB Nyheim Hines reflects on how things ended in Buffalo… 🔊

Hines missed all of last season after getting injured in a Jet Ski accident. @TheNyNy7 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/gyyOjAsBOJ

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 1, 2024

Despite making a significant impact with the Bills following his acquisition at the 2022 trade deadline, highlighted by his performance in a season finale win over the New England Patriots where he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, Hines was released by the team on March 6 as part of a series of roster adjustments that freed up over $30 million in cap space. He now has the opportunity to offer veteran depth in Cleveland, serving behind running backs Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford.

Nathan Dougherty, a sports reporter covering the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions for Heavy.com, has a background writing for the Rochester Business Journal and has previously served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning. Based in Rochester, New York, Dougherty has a passion for football.