Career Timeline of Tua Tagovailoa: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tua Tagovailoa made an impact.

Tuanigamanuolepola Donny "Tua" Tagovailoa is an American football quarterback. He gained prominence playing college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. During his freshman year, he was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. As a sophomore, Tagovailoa earned both the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards and led Alabama to the 2019 National Championship game.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1985: First Seven-Game Winning Streak Since 1985

In 2021, Tua Tagovailoa led the Miami Dolphins to their first seven-game winning streak since 1985.

1994: First Dolphins Quarterback Since Dan Marino with 21 First-Half Completions

During their Week 13 game against the New York Giants in 2021, Tua Tagovailoa became the first Dolphins quarterback since Dan Marino in 1994 to throw at least 21 completions in the first half of a game.

2000: First Sweep of the Patriots Since 2000

In the final game of the 2021 season, Tua Tagovailoa led the Miami Dolphins to their first sweep of the rival New England Patriots since 2000.

2010: First Left-Handed Quarterback Drafted Since Tim Tebow

In 2020, Tua Tagovailoa became the first left-handed quarterback to be drafted by an NFL team since Tim Tebow in 2010.

2015: First Left-Handed Quarterback Since Kellen Moore

During Tua's NFL debut in week 6, it was the first NFL appearance for a left-handed quarterback since Kellen Moore in 2015.

2016: Participation in the All-American Bowl and Elite 11 Roster

In 2016, Tua Tagovailoa played in the All-American Bowl and was named MVP of the Elite 11 roster, a selection of top high school quarterbacks.

2016: Dolphins clinched the AFC's final playoff berth

On January 9, 2016, the Dolphins clinched the AFC's final playoff berth, marking their first playoff appearance since 2016.

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: Backup Quarterback for Alabama

During the 2017 season, Tua Tagovailoa served as the backup quarterback to Jalen Hurts at Alabama, gaining playing time in several games.

January 8, 2018: Offensive MVP of the National Championship

On January 8, 2018, Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, leading Alabama to a 26-23 victory over Georgia in overtime. He was named the Offensive MVP of the game.

May 19, 2018: Tagovailoa Celebrated at Hometown Hero Parade

On May 19, 2018, Tua Tagovailoa returned to Hawaii to be celebrated at a Hometown Hero Parade after winning the National Championship game. He performed a traditional Samoan ceremonial dance and donated the money he received to his hometown church and youth football program.

September 1, 2018: First Career Start for Alabama

On September 1, 2018, Tua Tagovailoa made his first career start for Alabama against Louisville, leading the team to a 51-14 victory.

2019: Joe Burrow Supplanting Tua as the Draft's Top Prospect

In 2019, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy, supplanted Tua Tagovailoa as the draft's top prospect.

January 2020: Declared for the 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 with the Dolphins

On May 11, 2020, Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year rookie contract worth $30 million with the Miami Dolphins.

June 2020: Tagovailoa Establishes Scholarship Endowment

In June 2020, Tua Tagovailoa established a $300,000 scholarship endowment to benefit his high school, Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.

July 2020: Passed Physical but Named Backup

In July 2020, Tua Tagovailoa passed his physical with the Miami Dolphins to begin training camp but was named the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick to start the season.

2020: Drafted into the NFL

In 2020, Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft after his junior season was cut short due to a hip injury.

2020: Drafted by the Miami Dolphins

In 2020, Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft, despite injury concerns.

February 2021: Tua Foundation Established

In February 2021, Tua Tagovailoa announced the establishment of the Tua Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth initiatives, health and wellness, and other charitable causes in Hawaii, Alabama, and Miami.

August 2021: Tua Foundation Inaugural Fundraising Event

In August 2021, the Tua Foundation hosted its inaugural fundraising event, raising $93,000 for the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch to cover funeral and counseling expenses after a devastating car crash.

2021: Primary Starter for the Dolphins

In 2021, Tua Tagovailoa became the primary starter for the Miami Dolphins.

2021: Finished the 2021 Season with 2,653 Passing Yards

In 2021, Tua Tagovailoa finished the season with 2,653 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, as well as 42 carries for 128 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns in 13 games.

February 6, 2022: Mike McDaniel Hired as Head Coach

On February 6, 2022, Mike McDaniel was hired as the Miami Dolphins' head coach and expressed support for Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback.

2022: Led the League in Passer Rating

In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL league in passer rating and helped the Dolphins qualify for the playoffs.

March 20, 2023: Dolphins Pick Up Fifth-Year Option and Retirement Consideration

On March 20, 2023, the Dolphins exercised the fifth-year option on Tua Tagovailoa's contract. Also, Tua Tagovailoa mentioned he considered retirement during the off-season due to injuries sustained during the 2022 season.

2023: Tagovailoa's Regular Season Performance

In 2023, Tagovailoa concluded the regular season with 3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, achieving an 8-5 record across 13 games. He also topped the league in passer rating and passing average.

2023: Tagovailoa's Record-Breaking Season

In 2023, Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards, making him the first Dolphins quarterback to achieve this since Dan Marino in 1992. He also set career highs in passing touchdowns (29), completions (388), and completion percentage (69.3%), starting every game.

2023: Led the League in Passing Yards and Earned Pro Bowl Honors

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 First Pro Bowl

On January 3, 2024, Tua Tagovailoa was selected for his first Pro Bowl appearance, and named the starting quarterback of the AFC roster.

July 26, 2024: Tagovailoa Signs Contract Extension

On July 26, 2024, Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins.

2024: Tagovailoa's Playoff Debut and NFL Ranking

In 2024, Tagovailoa made his playoff debut against the Chiefs, throwing for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 26-7 loss. He was ranked 36th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024 by his peers.

2024: Collaboration with Perry Ellis

In 2024, Tua Tagovailoa partnered with Perry Ellis to create a clothing line inspired by his culture and upbringing. The clothing line features modern island life themes. He noted the designs pushed the boundaries for Perry Ellis.