Tua Tagovailoa

Tuanigamanuolepola Tagovailoa, known as Tua, is an American professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Born in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, to Samoan parents Galu and Diane Tagovailoa, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in football. His younger brother, Taulia, also pursued a career in football as a quarterback. Tua moved to Alabama as a teenager to attend Saint Louis School before transferring to Thompson High School, where he became one of the top-rated quarterback recruits in the nation.

Tagovailoa committed to the University of Alabama, where he played under head coach Nick Saban. He became a national sensation during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, when he came off the bench as a true freshman to throw the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Georgia. He went on to start the following two seasons, earning numerous accolades including the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award in 2018. A devastating hip injury during his junior season in 2019 raised concerns about his NFL future, but he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Miami Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. After a transitional rookie season, he developed into one of the league’s most efficient passers. In 2023, he led the NFL in passing yards with over 4,600 yards and helped the Dolphins reach the playoffs. His quick release, accuracy, and ability to read defenses within the Dolphins’ high-tempo offense under head coach Mike McDaniel made him one of the top quarterbacks in the AFC.

In 2024, Tagovailoa signed a four-year contract extension worth approximately $212 million with $167 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. However, his career has also been marked by concerns about concussions, having suffered multiple documented head injuries during games. Despite these challenges, Tua has remained a franchise cornerstone for the Dolphins and has supplemented his football income with endorsement deals from brands in technology, food, and sports apparel.