After having his 2023 season cut short due to a freak jet ski accident, running back Nyheim Hines has sent a simple message: “I’ve learned my lesson.”
In July 2023, the former Buffalo Bills running back sustained a torn ACL when another motorist collided with his jet ski. Hines was lost for the season and became entangled in a disagreement with the team over his season salary. The Bills later parted ways with Hines, who signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
On the Up & Adams Show on April 1, Hines discussed the accident and the lessons he’s learned from it.
In November 2023, Hines informed The Athletic’s Zak Keefer that he was not driving the jet ski on the day of the tragedy, but rather wanted to refuel it with gas at the marina before returning it to his buddies. Hines stated that he was stationary on the jet ski when it was struck by another motorist, leaving him with a severely damaged leg.
In his April 1 appearance, Hines admitted to putting himself in a dangerous situation and promised not to do so again.
“I could do better not putting myself in that situation,” Hines told reporters. “It was a freak accident, but I learned from my mistakes. I will not put myself in a position to miss the entire season away from the field.
“Based on that, I could say whatever I want about the Bills, but ultimately it’s up to me. “I should not have put myself in that situation.”
Though Hines’ agent appeared to target the Bills following the incident, citing a purported disagreement over how much money he was owed, Hines later told The Athletic that the two parties were able to strike an amicable agreement.
“We were both upset; both parties were upset,” Hines stated in November. “I did not expect that to happen. They did not expect this to happen. We both had ambitious ambitions for myself. And they know I hold myself accountable, and they are aware that this will kill me more than it will kill them.”
Returning quickly and prepared
Hines stated in Monday’s appearance that his rehabilitation is going well and that he feels better than he did a month ago, when it was still tough to run at full speed.
“I don’t wish ACL surgery on anybody,” Hines remarked. “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.”
