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. Notably, he was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman. His success continued as a sophomore, earning him the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards. He also led his team to an appearance in the 2019 National Championship game.

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

2010: Tim Tebow Drafted into NFL

In 2010, Tim Tebow was drafted into the NFL.

2015: Kellen Moore NFL Appearance

In 2015, Kellen Moore last appearance in the NFL as a left-handed quarterback before Tua Tagovailoa's debut.

2016: 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. He was also chosen to be a part of the Elite 11 roster.

2016: Dolphins clinched the AFC's final playoff berth

On January 9, 2016, the Dolphins clinched the AFC's final playoff berth.

January 2017: Enrolled at the University of Alabama

In January 2017, Tua Tagovailoa enrolled at the University of Alabama after being a four-star recruit. He had 17 offers to play on a college football scholarship.

2017: Backup Quarterback for Jalen Hurts

Throughout the 2017 season, Tua Tagovailoa was the backup to sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

January 8, 2018: Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship

On January 8, 2018, Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. He threw the game-winning 41-yard touchdown pass in overtime to DeVonta Smith as Alabama defeated Georgia, 26–23, claiming their 17th National Championship. Tagovailoa was named the Offensive MVP of the game.

May 19, 2018: Hometown Hero Parade and Taualuga Performance

On May 19, 2018, Tagovailoa returned to Hawaii to be celebrated at the Hometown Hero Parade. He performed a traditional Samoan ceremonial dance, donating the money 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 at the season's opening game, against Louisville, in Orlando, Florida.

2018: Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship

In 2018, Tua Tagovailoa was named the Offensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship during his freshman season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

2019: Loss to Clemson in the 2019 National Championship

In 2019, Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama lost to Clemson in the National Championship. He also set a new NCAA FBS passer rating record of 199.4 for the season, surpassing the record 198.9 set by Baker Mayfield in 2017.

2019: Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards

In 2019, Tua Tagovailoa won the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards as a sophomore, which led to an appearance in the National Championship.

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

On May 11, 2020, Tua Tagovailoa signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $30 million.

June 2020: Establishment of a Scholarship Endowment

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

July 2020: Passed Physical and Began Training Camp

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

2020: Selected in the 2020 NFL Draft

In 2020, Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft after his junior season.

2020: Drafted by the Miami Dolphins

In 2020, 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 Hosted 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.

September 25, 2021: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 25, 2021, Tua Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve due to fractured ribs.

2021: 2021 Season Performance

In 2021, Tagovailoa finished the season 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.

2021: Primary Starter for the Dolphins

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

February 6, 2022: Mike McDaniel Hired as Head Coach

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

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 picked up the fifth-year option of Tagovailoa's contract

On March 20, 2023, the Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option of Tagovailoa's contract.

2023: Regular Season Performance and 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 of 2023.

2023: Tagovailoa lead league in passing yards

In 2023, Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards and set career highs in multiple categories, starting every game for the first time.

2023: Pro Bowl Honors

In 2023, Tua Tagovailoa earned Pro Bowl honors and helped the Dolphins qualify for the playoffs after leading the league in passing yards.

January 3, 2024: Tagovailoa Selected for His First Pro Bowl Appearance

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

July 26, 2024: Tagovailoa Signed a Four-Year Contract Extension with the Dolphins

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

2024: Collaboration with Perry Ellis on Clothing Line

In 2024, Tagovailoa collaborated with Perry Ellis on a modern island life-themed line of clothing, drawing inspiration from his culture.

2024: Tagovailoa's 2024 Season Performance

In the 2024 season, Tagovailoa played 11 games, accumulating 2,867 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

December 17, 2025: Tagovailoa Benched After Playoff Elimination

On December 17, 2025, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that Tagovailoa would be benched for the Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals after the Dolphins were eliminated from playoff contention.