Early Life and Education of Tua Tagovailoa: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tua Tagovailoa. From birth to education, explore key events.

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.

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

March 2, 1998: Tua Tagovailoa's Birth

On March 2, 1998, Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa was born. He is an American professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Death of Grandfather Seu Tagovailoa

In 2014, Tua Tagovailoa's grandfather, Seu Tagovailoa, passed away. Seu was a highly respected figure in the Samoan community and a source of inspiration for Tua.

2014: Mentorship from Marcus Mariota

In 2014, while attending Saint Louis School, Tua Tagovailoa was mentored by Marcus Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner.

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.

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.

August 2020: Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree

In August 2020, Tua Tagovailoa graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication studies.

December 2022: Tagovailoa Considered Retirement

In his first news conference since December 2022, Tagovailoa revealed he had considered retirement in the off-season because of injuries during the 2022 season.

2023: Tagovailoa Practices Jiu-Jitsu

In 2023, Tua Tagovailoa started practicing jiu-jitsu to address the concussions he experienced during the 2022 NFL season.

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.