Nyheim Hines had two of the most memorable plays for the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 season, taking a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns in the team’s emotional return to the field after Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field the previous week.
Now, after suffering an unfortunate injury of his own, Hines is returning to the NFL for the first time since that season. The veteran running back and return specialist opened up about his desire to play for another NFL team and signed with a new team after a workout on Monday.
Nyheim Hines Hopes Joins AFC West Contender
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz noted on July 21 that Hines had a workout with the Los Angeles Chargers, a major step toward his return to the NFL for the first time in more than two years. ESPN reported later in the day that Hines signed a contract with the Chargers.
Hines came to the Bills at the trade deadline in 2022 and played a light role in the offense, racking up only 50 total yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in nine games including one start.
But Hines made a big difference on special teams, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the team’s season finale win over the New England Patriots, a game that took place less than a week after Hamlin’s traumatizing injury.
ESPN noted that Hines could have a big opportunity in Los Angeles, where Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman has a strong focus on the running game. The team also drafted running back Omarion Hampton and signed Najee Harris in free agency.
Hines has proven to be a versatile back prior to his injury, racking up 2,980 total yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns since coming into the NFL in 2018.
Nyheim Hines Saw Sad Ending to Bills Career
Hines looked to be moving into a bigger role with the Bills for the 2023 season when he suffered a torn ACL on a jet ski accident.
Though there was some tension between Hines and the team as his agent hinted that the Bills were not giving him the compensation he was owed, Hines later told The Athletic that the sides were able to reach an amicable contract settlement.
âWe were both upset, both parties were upset,â Hines says. âI didnât expect for that to happen. They didnât 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.â
Hines said at the time that he hoped to return to the team for the chance at earning a role in 2024.
âThey treated me right at the end of the day and they took care of it and Iâm a member of the Buffalo Bills and I look forward to coming back there next year and earning the right to win,â he said.
Hines ultimately left for free agency, not signing on with any team in 2024. He will now attempt his NFL comeback with the Chargers.
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