What happened to Eddie Hill? Tributes pour in as former Rams and Dolphins running back passes away

Eddie Hill, former Miami Dolphins running back, is no more. The ex-NFL pro passed away on Sunday, February 23, as per a Dolphins announcement on X.

A cause of death was not immediately revealed after his demise, but Eddie Hill reportedly had a history of health issues. Per the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Hill had a longstanding battle with brain cancer. In 2017, the former running back had a chat with the newspaper at the Don Strock Diabetes Golf Classic at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club. He told the outlet that his cancer was in remission.

Apart from speaking about his longtime struggle with brain cancer, Hill shared how he “probably” had a suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Although the suspected CTE might have been linked to his football career, Eddie Hill maintained that he didn’t regret playing the game. He told the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

“Every life has a purpose, and football was one of those biblical, scriptural things that I learned early in life that applied to me, the gift. And recently, in the last 10-15 years, I’ve learned that purpose and I live that purpose.”

Eddie Hill had a six-year-long NFL career and played his last game in 1984 for the Dolphins. Hill’s son Quadtrine is also a former American football player.

---

Miami Dolphins fans pay tribute to Eddie Hill

The Dolphins announced Hill’s death on Monday, February 24, 2025. The NFL team and its fans sent their condolences and paid tribute to the former running back. The Dolphins posted a picture of Hill and wrote:

“We are saddened by the passing of former Dolphins running back Eddie Hill, who played for the team from 1981-84.”

“RIP dear soul,” a user replied under Dolphins’ post.

“Rip Mr Hill….Thank you,” another user posted.

“Sending Condolences And Prayers To The Hill Family🙏🕊,” someone shared.

“As a long time, dolphins fan…. I’m so sorry for his family….,” another one wrote.

A user shared a clip featuring Hill from a Raiders vs Dolphins game and wrote:

“#RIP Eddie Hill”

Before the NFL, Hill was a college athlete at the University of Memphis. The six-foot-two running back spent three years representing the Memphis Tigers from 1976 to 1978. In 1979, Hill turned pro after the Los Angeles Rams selected him.

The Rams picked him in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft. Hill stayed with the LA Rams for his first two NFL seasons. The Rams traded him to the Dolphins, where he stayed for four more seasons from 1981 to 1984.

Hill, who was born in Nashville in 1957, is survived by his four children.