Tua Tagovailoa's status as the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback – and even a professional football player – have been compromised on multiple occasions. Tagovailoa has had some strong seasons as the team's primary signal caller, but a series of injuries (most notably, concussions in 2022 and 2024) have nearly jeopardized his career.
But as he enters his sixth season in the NFL, Tagovailoa has taken strides in becoming a stronger leader in the Dolphins' locker room. A number of his teammates, including wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and offensive tackle Austin Jackson, have taken notice.
"He looks confident, coming out with a different swag. He’s got dye in his hair and some other stuff," Waddle said. "He looks like he’s just eager to play.”
"He's definitely a lot more confident and decisive on and off the field. He knows what people are supposed to be doing in terms of training. He knows what we’re doing on the field. He knows how to take care of his body. He knows how to unite guys, bring us together for team camaraderie and stuff, just to get together," Jackson added. "He’s a full-blown leader, and I think he’s showing that he wants to take control of this team. And he is.”
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during second half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Tagovailoa has also received praise from head coach Mike McDaniel, who has seen Tagovailoa take over plays on the practice field with his vocal leadership.
"He's had most ownership of all the players on each and every down, particularly in non-passing downs. There were double motions where he was aligning people appropriately. He really had command and resolve within the practice of things," McDaniel said. "Sometimes, football for a quarterback can be uniquely challenging because you have the ownership of the operation of the whole unit."
2025 will serve as both Tagovailoa's age 27 season and an opportunity for him to turn his offseason plaudits into on-field production. The Dolphins are looking to challenge the Buffalo Bills for their spot atop the AFC East, and Tagovailoa will play a vital role in the team's pursuit of a division title.
Over the course of his five-year NFL career, Tagovailoa has completed 68.1% of his pass attempts for 15,506 yards and 100 touchdowns. He has been named the Polynesian Professional Football Player of the Year twice and a Pro Bowl selection once, in addition to leading the league in passing yards (4,624) in 2023 and completion percentage (72.9%) in 2024.
