Tua Tagovailoa's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Tua Tagovailoa.

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.

1992: Last Dolphins QB to lead league in passing yards

In 2023, Tagovailoa became the first Dolphins quarterback to lead the league in passing yards since Dan Marino in 1992.

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.

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.

2017: Surpassed Baker Mayfield's Passing Record

In 2017, Tua Tagovailoa surpassed the NCAA FBS passer rating record of 198.9 set by Baker Mayfield in 2017, with a new record of 199.4.

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.

2019: Loss to Clemson in the National Championship

In 2019, Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama lost to Clemson in the National Championship game, 44-16.

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.

2023: Tagovailoa's Pro Bowl Snub

Despite receiving the most fan votes (306,861) overall, Tua Tagovailoa was not selected for the 2023 Pro Bowl.

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.