Tua Tagovailoa, a Dolphins Pro Bowler, Wants to Be ‘A Dolphin For Life’.
The 2024 season could be pivotal for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Unless he signs an extension this summer, he will enter the final year of his deal. Following his four-year, $30.3 million rookie contract with the Dolphins, the team exercised his $23.17 million fifth-year option last March.
But Tagovailoa is taking it in stride.
“I don’t think there’s any pressure,” he added. “The goal is to be a Dolphin for life.”
Staying in Miami would allow him to spend more time with his college coach, Nick Saban, who purchased a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Coral Gables, Fla., after retiring as Alabama’s head coach.
Saban’s decision to hang it up caught many off guard, including Tagovailoa.
“It was shocking to me,” he said.
A couple days after hearing about Saban’s retirement, Tagovailoa spoke with his former college coach.
He hopes to hit the links at Miami-area golf courses with the legendary coach who also guided the Dolphins from 2005 to 2006 and will be spending more time in the region.
“He’s the GOAT in college,” Tagovailoa said. “And I wish him all the best.”
Saban’s coaching style contrasts to current Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel who’s more like a friend. Tagovailoa said McDaniel’s schematic and play-calling decisions are more collaborative and that he encourages open dialogue.
“Coach McDaniel is so, so different,” he said. “It’s almost as if you feel you could tell him anything.”
Tagovailoa spoke candidly while teaming up with USAA, the official NFL Salute to Service partner, and Marine Corps Association (MCA) to award John Jones and his brother with tickets to the Super Bowl and the chance to hang out with the Dolphins quarterback.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” Tagovailoa remarked. “This is the least that I can do in helping in any way to give back.”
Jones served in the Marine Corps from 1995 to 2007. In 2005, the sergeant sustained serious injuries after his vehicle collided with an anti-tank mine during a deployment. As a result of the tragedy, the Purple Heart recipient lost both legs below the knee.
Because practically all of Tagovailoa’s maternal uncles served in various branches of the military, and his first cousin, Adam, is in the Navy, he said he felt even more grateful for Jones’ sacrifice.
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