Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa, commonly known as Tua Tagovailoa, is an American football quarterback playing for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 2, 1998, in ʻEwa Beach, Hawaii, he is the eldest of four children in a Samoan family, born to Galu and Diane Tagovailoa. His younger brother, Taulia Tagovailoa, is also a quarterback and played for the University of Maryland.
Tua Tagovailoa rose to prominence during his college football career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. In his freshman season, he was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. As a sophomore, he went on to win prestigious awards like the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards.
However, Tagovailoa faced a setback during his junior season when a hip injury cut it short. Despite this, he was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season saw him alternating between a backup and starter role. Still, he eventually became the team's primary starter in the 2021 season.
In the 2022 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa showcased his talent by leading the league in passer rating. The following season, in 2023, he led in passing yards, earning him Pro Bowl honors.