Tua Tagovailoa Biography: From Hawaii to NFL Stardom
Tua Tagovailoa, born Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa, is a prominent American football quarterback currently playing for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL).
Early Life and High School
Tua grew up in a Samoan family as the oldest of four children. His parents, Galu and Diane Tagovailoa, noticed his intense interest in football from a young age.
Tua would often sleep with a football under his arm as a child. He attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu, where he excelled as a quarterback and received numerous college scholarship offers.
College Career
Tua chose to enroll at the University of Alabama in 2017. During his freshman year, he served as a backup to Jalen Hurts but gained significant playing time in several games.
He made a memorable debut against Fresno State, showcasing his skills with passing and rushing touchdowns.
In the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, Tua replaced Hurts and led Alabama to a dramatic victory, earning the Offensive MVP award.
As a sophomore, Tua won prestigious awards like the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards and led Alabama to another National Championship appearance.
His junior season was cut short by a hip injury, but he still managed to leave a lasting impact on Alabama’s football program.
Professional Career
Tua was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $30 million.
Tua spent his rookie season alternating as a backup and starter before becoming the team’s primary starter in 2021.
He has since led the Dolphins to the playoffs in both 2021 and 2022, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023 and leading the league in passing yards in 2023.
Philanthropy
Tua is also involved in philanthropic efforts, using his platform to give back to his community and support various charitable causes.
Tua Tagovailoa’s journey from a young football enthusiast in Hawaii to a star quarterback in the NFL is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination.
Key Points
- Position: Quarterback
- Current Team: Miami Dolphins
- College: University of Alabama
- NFL Draft: 2020, 5th overall pick
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Notable Achievements:
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- Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship
- Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards (2019)
- Challenges:
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- History of concussions
Tua Tagovailoa’s journey in the NFL is a blend of exceptional talent and health concerns.
As he continues his career, his ability to overcome injuries and maintain his high level of play will be crucial for both his success and the future of the Miami Dolphins.
Age
Tua Tagovailoa, born Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa on March 2, 1998, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. He is 26 years old and his zodiac sign Pisces.
He is of Samoan ethnicity and American nationality. His parents, Galu and Diane Tagovailoa, are from American Samoa.
Parents and Siblings
Tua was born and raised in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, to Galu and Diane Tagovailoa. He grew up in a close-knit Samoan family and was deeply influenced by his strong cultural and spiritual upbringing.
Football was a central part of his life from an early age, encouraged by his family. Tua has three siblings: Taulia Tagovailoa, who plays college football, and sisters Taylor and Taysia.
Parents
- Galu Tagovailoa: Tua’s father is a former defensive tackle for the University of Hawaii. He is also the CEO, owner, and coach of Raising Champions LLC, a foundation that trains athletes with an emphasis on religion, culture, and family. Galu trained Tua to throw with his left hand, even though Tua is naturally right-handed. He instilled discipline and faith in Tua from a young age.
- Diane Tagovailoa: Tua’s mother was raised in Hawaii, but her parents were from American Samoa. Diane has always been supportive and played a significant role in Tua’s upbringing, though she tends to stay out of the spotlight.
Siblings
- Taylor Tagovailoa: Tua’s older sister.
- Taysia Tagovailoa: Tua’s younger sister.
- Taulia Tagovailoa: Tua’s younger brother, who also plays football. Taulia played college football at Alabama and Maryland and signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in June 2024.
Tua’s upbringing was deeply rooted in Samoan culture and values, with a strong emphasis on faith and discipline. His family’s support and his father’s coaching played a crucial role in his journey to becoming a professional football player.
Wife
Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, is married to Annah Gore. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in July 2022.
Annah, born on June 11, 1999, in High Point, North Carolina, studied at St. Gertrude High School and later attended the University of Alabama, where she met Tua. She is an entrepreneur and keeps a low profile about her personal life.
Tua and Annah have two children. Their son, Ace, was born in August 2022, and their daughter, Maisey, arrived the following year. Tua has spoken about how becoming a father has changed his perspective on life, emphasizing the joy he feels seeing his children smile and laugh.
Tua is also a proud dog dad and values his family greatly. He has expressed his desire to keep his personal life private, despite the public nature of his career.
Height, Weight
Tua Tagovailoa stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and weighs 225 pounds (102 kg).
Career and Background
Tua Tagovailoa started his football journey in high school, where he set multiple records and became one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the nation.
At Alabama, he rose to prominence after leading the Crimson Tide to a comeback victory in the 2018 National Championship game. Tua finished his college career as a Heisman Trophy runner-up and holder of several school records.
In the NFL, Tua has demonstrated his potential as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, despite facing injuries. His work ethic and leadership qualities have earned him recognition as one of the league’s promising young stars.
Early Career and College
Tua Tagovailoa attended the University of Alabama, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout quarterback.
He initially served as a backup to Jalen Hurts but seized the opportunity to shine during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Tua replaced Hurts in the second half and led Alabama to a dramatic victory, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass.
This performance earned him the Offensive MVP award and solidified his status as a top prospect for the NFL Draft.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Tua was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $30 million.
His rookie season was a mix of starts and backups, as he recovered from a hip injury that ended his college career. Despite the challenges, Tua showed flashes of his potential and ended the season with promising stats.
Professional Career with the Miami Dolphins
Tua became the Dolphins’ primary starter in 2021 and has since led the team to the playoffs in both 2021 and 2022.
His performance has been marked by impressive passing yards and touchdowns, earning him Pro Bowl honors in 2023. In 2023, Tua led the league in passing yards, showcasing his growth and development as a quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Career Statistics
Here’s a detailed look at Tua Tagovailoa’s career statistics as of the 2024 NFL season:
Passing Stats
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2024 Season:
- Passing Yards: 4,624
- Completions: 388
- Attempts: 560
- Yards per Attempt: 8.26
- Touchdowns: 29
- Interceptions: 14
- Sacks: 29
- Passer Rating: 109.83
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2023 Season:
- Passing Yards: 3,548
- Completions: 259
- Attempts: 400
- Yards per Attempt: 8.87
- Touchdowns: 25
- Interceptions: 8
- Sacks: 21
- Passer Rating: 115.28
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2022 Season:
- Passing Yards: 2,653
- Completions: 263
- Attempts: 388
- Yards per Attempt: 6.8
- Touchdowns: 16
- Interceptions: 10
- Sacks: 30
- Passer Rating: 90.1
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2021 Season:
- Passing Yards: 1,814
- Completions: 186
- Attempts: 290
- Yards per Attempt: 6.3
- Touchdowns: 11
- Interceptions: 5
- Sacks: 15
- Passer Rating: 87
Rushing Stats
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2024 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 74
- Attempts: 35
- Yards per Carry: 2.11
- Touchdowns: 0
- Longest Run: 9 yards
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2023 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 70
- Attempts: 23
- Yards per Carry: 3.04
- Touchdowns: 0
- Longest Run: 18 yards
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2022 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 128
- Attempts: 42
- Yards per Carry: 3
- Touchdowns: 3
- Longest Run: 23 yards
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2021 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 109
- Attempts: 36
- Yards per Carry: 3
- Touchdowns: 3
- Longest Run: 17 yards
Fumbles
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2024 Season:
- Fumbles: 3
- Lost Fumbles: 0
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2023 Season:
- Fumbles: 13
- Lost Fumbles: 5
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2022 Season:
- Fumbles: 6
- Lost Fumbles: 1
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2021 Season:
- Fumbles: 9
- Lost Fumbles: 1
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2020 Season:
- Fumbles: 1
- Lost Fumbles: 1
Tua Tagovailoa’s career statistics reflect his growth and development as a quarterback. His passing yards, touchdowns, and passer ratings have steadily improved over the years, showcasing his ability to lead the Miami Dolphins’ offense effectively.
Challenges and Resilience
Tua’s career has not been without challenges. He has faced injuries and criticism but has shown resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles.
His ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue to improve his game has been a testament to his character and work ethic.
Tua Tagovailoa Injury | Concussion
Tua Tagovailoa has unfortunately experienced multiple concussions throughout his career. As of November 2024, he has been diagnosed with three concussions in the NFL.
The most recent incident occurred on September 12, 2024, during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Tua collided with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin and hit the back of his head on the turf. He was placed on injured reserve and missed several games to recover.
Despite these injuries, Tua has expressed his determination to continue playing football. He has consulted with neurologists and undergone the necessary evaluations to ensure his health and safety.
Tua’s resilience and commitment to the game have been evident as he continues to perform at a high level despite the challenges he has faced.
Net Worth and Salary
Tua Tagovailoa, the star quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has a net worth of $30 million as of November 2024. His wealth has grown significantly thanks to his talent and smart investments.
In July 2024, Tua signed a 4-year, $212 million contract extension with the Dolphins, which includes $167 million in guarantees. This deal makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $53.1 million.
Beyond his contract earnings, Tua has established partnerships with several well-known brands, including Adidas, Bose, Wingstop, Muscle Milk, Visible, Gillette, and Gatorade. He has also made notable investments in real estate, particularly in Florida.
Tua is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having founded the Tua Foundation in 2021, which supports youth initiatives and programs focused on health and wellness in communities in Hawaii, Alabama, and Miami.
Is Tua Tagovailoa Married?
Yes, Tua Tagovailoa is married. He tied the knot with Annah Gore in a secret wedding ceremony held in Florida on July 18, 2022.
Although they initially kept their marriage private, the news was leaked a few weeks later. The couple publicly acknowledged their marriage on their one-year wedding anniversary.
How Old Is Tua Tagovailoa?
Tua Tagovailoa was born on March 2, 1998, which makes him 26 years old as of now.
How many kids does Tua Tagovailoa have?
Tua Tagovailoa has two children with his wife, Annah Gore. Their son, Ace, was born in August 2022, and their daughter, Maisey, arrived in early 2023. Tua has expressed how much joy and meaning his children bring to his life.
What ethnicity is Tagovailoa?
Tua Tagovailoa is of Samoan ethnicity. His heritage plays a significant role in his life and identity. Tua often speaks about the importance of his cultural background and how it has shaped his values and approach to life and football.
What is Tua’s win-loss record?
As of the 2024 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa has a win-loss record of 24-17 as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.
He has been a key player in leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and continues to build on his impressive career in the NFL.
Tua Tagovailoa is active on social media. He uses platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans, share updates about his life and career, and engage with his followers.
Tua often posts about his training, game highlights, and personal moments, giving fans a glimpse into his life both on and off the field.
Here are five notable profiles that you may be interested in:
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Sara Cardona
- Career: Sports anchor and reporter for NBC6 in Miami and Telemundo 51, with prior roles at WTVQ in Kentucky and ESPN’s Conference USA broadcasts.
- Personal Life: In a relationship with Eric Saubert, NFL tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Net Worth: Estimated between $500,000 and $1 million.
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Erica Weston
- Career: KCAL News sports anchor and Bally Sports West reporter, with experience as a Denver Broncos cheerleader and Los Angeles Lakers performer before transitioning to sports media.
- Highlight: Known for her work covering MLB, NBA, and NHL events, including memorable moments like the “Salvy Splash.”
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