Career Timeline of Tua Tagovailoa: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tua Tagovailoa made an impact.
Tua Tagovailoa is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He gained prominence during his college career at the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to a National Championship victory in 2018, earning the Offensive MVP award. As a sophomore, Tagovailoa's outstanding performance led to him winning both the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards. His college success paved the way for his NFL career.
1985: Dolphins First Seven-Game Winning Streak Since 1985
Tagovailoa led the team to its first seven-game winning streak since 1985.
1994: Dan Marino in 1994
In 1994, Dan Marino became the first Dolphins quarterback to throw at least 21 completions in the first half of a game.
2000: First Sweep of Patriots Since 2000
In 2021, Tagovailoa led the Dolphins to their first sweep of the rival Patriots since 2000.
2016: Played in All-American Bowl
In 2016, Tua Tagovailoa played in the All-American Bowl. In his regular season, he threw for 2,669 passing yards with 27 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions.
2016: Dolphins clinch AFC playoff berth
In 2016, the Dolphins clinched the AFC's final playoff berth, marking their first playoff appearance since then.
January 2017: Enrolled at the University of Alabama
In January 2017, Tua Tagovailoa enrolled at the University of Alabama after receiving 17 college football scholarship offers.
2017: Collegiate Debut Against Fresno State
In 2017, Tua Tagovailoa made his collegiate debut against Fresno State, finishing 6-of-9 for 64 yards and his first career passing touchdown.
January 8, 2018: College Football Playoff National Championship
On January 8, 2018, Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half of the College Football Playoff National Championship and threw the game-winning touchdown pass, leading Alabama to victory. He was named the Offensive MVP of the game.
May 19, 2018: Hometown Hero Parade and Samoan Ceremony
On May 19, 2018, Tagovailoa returned to Hawaii for a Hometown Hero Parade and performed a traditional Samoan taualuga dance, donating the money received to his hometown church and youth football program.
September 1, 2018: First Career Start
On September 1, 2018, Tua Tagovailoa made his first career start against Louisville, finishing 12-of-16 with 227 passing yards and two touchdowns.
2018: Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship
In 2018, during his freshman season, Tua Tagovailoa was named the Offensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
2019: Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards
In 2019, as a sophomore, Tua Tagovailoa won the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards and appeared in the National Championship.
January 2020: Announced Entry into 2020 NFL Draft
In January 2020, Tua Tagovailoa announced that he would forgo his senior year and enter the 2020 NFL draft.
May 11, 2020: Signed Rookie Contract
On May 11, 2020, Tua Tagovailoa signed his four-year rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins, worth $30 million.
June 2020: Tagovailoa Establishes Scholarship Endowment
In June 2020, Tagovailoa announced the establishment of a $300,000 scholarship endowment to benefit his high school, Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
July 2020: Passed Physical to Begin Training Camp
In July 2020, Tua Tagovailoa passed his physical with the Miami Dolphins to begin training camp, but was named the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
2020: Drafted by the Miami Dolphins
In 2020, Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft after his junior season was cut short by a hip injury.
2020: Drafted fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins
In 2020, despite injury concerns, Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft.
February 2021: Establishment of the Tua Foundation
In February 2021, Tagovailoa announced the establishment of the Tua Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth initiatives, health and wellness, and other charitable causes.
August 2021: Tua Foundation's Inaugural Fundraising Event
In August 2021, The Tua Foundation hosted its inaugural fundraising event, raising $93,000 for the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch.
September 25, 2021: Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 25, 2021, Tua Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve after suffering fractured ribs during Week 2 against the Bills.
2021: Tagovailoa Supports Samoa Rugby League
In 2021, Tagovailoa publicly pledged his support to the Samoa national rugby league team during the Rugby League World Cup.
2021: Primary Starter for the Dolphins
In 2021, Tua Tagovailoa became the team's primary starter after alternating as a backup and starter during his rookie season.
2021: 2021 Season Performance
In the 2021 season, Tagovailoa finished with 2,653 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, and ten interceptions to go along with 42 carries for 128 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in 13 games.
February 6, 2022: Mike McDaniel Hired as Head Coach
On February 6, 2022, the Miami Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as their head coach, who expressed support for Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback.
2022: Led the League in Passer Rating
In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passer rating and helped the Dolphins qualify for the playoffs.
March 20, 2023: Dolphins pick up Tagovailoa's fifth-year option
On March 20, 2023, the Dolphins exercised the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa's contract.
2023: Tagovailoa's regular season performance and NFL Top 100 ranking
In 2023, Tagovailoa finished the regular season with 3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and led the league in passer rating and passing average. He was ranked 82nd on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2023: Career Highs and League Leading Performance
In 2023, Tagovailoa had career highs in passing touchdowns (29), completions (388), and completion percentage (69.3%), also started every game healthy. He led the league with 4,624 passing yards.
2023: Led the League in Passing Yards
In 2023, Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards, earned Pro Bowl honors, and helped the Dolphins qualify for the playoffs.
January 3, 2024: Tagovailoa Selected for His First Pro Bowl
On January 3, 2024, Tagovailoa was selected for his first Pro Bowl appearance and named the starting quarterback for the AFC roster.
July 26, 2024: Tagovailoa Signs Contract Extension with Dolphins
On July 26, 2024, Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins through 2028.
2024: Tagovailoa Collaborates with Perry Ellis on Clothing Line
In 2024, Tagovailoa collaborated with clothing brand Perry Ellis on a modern island life-themed line of clothing, drawing inspiration from his culture.
2024: Tagovailoa's Playoff Debut and NFL Top 100 Ranking
In 2024, Tagovailoa made his playoff debut against the Chiefs, throwing for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was ranked 36th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2028: Contract Extension Through 2028
Tagovailoa's contract extension on July 26, 2024, ensures he will remain with the Dolphins through 2028.
