Tua Tagovailoa Makes NFL Debut Against Jets

Featured Image Credit: Creator: Jasen Vinlove | Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Copyright: Jasen Vinlove

Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, made his NFL debut in week 6 against the New York Jets. Tagovailoa came in on the Dolphins final drive of the game, throwing two passes, both of which were completed for a total 9 yards. It may not look like a lot, but it has been a long journey for the former Alabama quarterback. 

The Miami Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Tagovailoa, 22, suffered a career-threatening hip injury, in 2019, against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Tagovailoa was excellent for a start-studded Alabama team. The lone left-handed quarterback in the NFL threw for 7,442 yards, 87 touchdowns, 11 interceptions in three seasons at the collegiate level. 

Alabama didn’t originally start Tagovailoa at quarterback in 2017. Jalen Hurts, who is now a part of the Philadelphia Eagles, was the starting quarterback during Tagovailoa’s freshman season. Hurts led Alabama to the National Championship. However, Hurts wasn’t playing well, and head coach Nick Saban decided to turn to Tagavailoa. The true freshman, then, led Alabama to a 26-23 win over the Georgia Bulldogs to become National Champions. 

Tagovailoa was named the starting quarterback for the reigning champions heading into the 2018 season. He led his team to another National Championship game, but failed to pull out the win against a strong Trevor Lawrence led, Clemson team. Tagovailoa left college with many awards, winning both the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards in 2018. He was also named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and a member of the All-SEC First-Team in 2018. 

Despite selecting Tagovailoa with the 5th overall pick, the Miami Dolphins have decided to start, veteran, Ryan Fitzpatrick. The 37-year old has played a long time in the league and has mentored Tagovailoa. Fitzpatrick seems to enjoy teaching Tagovailoa and wants the best for him. 

The Dolphins have now shown off their future at the quarterback position. Miami is currently 3-3 heading into the bye week. The next game, for the Brian Flores led Dolphins will be on November 1st when they take on the Los Angeles Rams.