Tua Tagovailoa

Tuanigamanuolepola “Tua” Tagovailoa, born on March 2, 1998, is an American football quarterback of Samoan descent who is currently playing in the National Football League (NFL) for the Miami Dolphins. Heralding from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Tua comes from an athletic family where football runs in their blood. Tua’s father, Galu, trained him in football since the age of two and his younger brother, Taulia, is also a quarterback, currently playing for Maryland University.

Tagovailoa showcased immense potential since his high school days at Saint Louis School in Honolulu, recording over 8,000 passing yards and helping the team secure a state championship in his senior year. Post high school, he decided to attend the University of Alabama where he would continue to demonstrate his exceptional skills in the game of football.

In his freshman year at Alabama, 2017, he served as a backup to starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. His big breakthrough came during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game. After a shaky first half from Hurts, Tagovailoa was put in and managed to lead the Alabama Crimson Tide to a victorious 26-23 win over the Georgia Bulldogs. His stunning 41-yard touchdown pass during overtime is often recognized as the turning point of this match.

The 2018 season saw Tagovailoa becoming the starting quarterback for Alabama. That year, he led the Crimson Tide to a undefeated regular season, and gained recognition for his performance, winning the Walter Camp Award and the Maxwell Award. Also, he was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which is annually awarded to the most outstanding player in National Collegiate Athletic Association football.

However, his 2019 season was cut short due to a hip injury, a career setback that raised concerns about his future professional career. Despite the uncertainties, Tagovailoa declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. After an encouraging medical recheck of his hip injury, his stock remained high, and he was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins.

Tagovailoa’s professional NFL career began as a backup to veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He saw his first in-game NFL action in October 2020, and soon after became the team’s starter. Despite a few ups and downs in his first season, Tagovailoa showed promise in his leadership and passing ability, setting the foundation for a bright future in the NFL.

Off the field, Tua, who comes from a close-knit, Christian family, is known for his humility, discipline, and strong sense of faith, indicative of his Hawaiian and Samoan cultural roots. He has been outspoken about his faith shaping his perspective towards life and football.

Tua Tagovailoa’s journey to the NFL has been full of dramatic turns, from his impactful introduction to football fans during the national championship with Alabam to his successful recovery from a potentially career-ending injury. With his robust determination and undeniable talent, he continues to build his presence in the NFL, proving to be a quarterback to watch out for in the coming seasons. Above all, Tua exemplifies humility and resilience, embodying the spirit of the sport he loves.