Tua Tagovailoa true to form bringing optimism and leadership to Miami

Enthusiasm and respect grow as Tua Tagovailoa fully cleared to practice in Miami.

Not that many months ago, there was much doubt about Tua Tagovailoa. The doubt was not about Tua’s quarterbacking talent or Tua as a person. The doubt was about his health. There were even concerns he would never again be healthy enough to play in the NFL.

Some NFL pundits expected he might not play at all in 2020. Many believed Tua would be PUP-listed (physically unable to perform) when Dolphins’ players reported. They were wrong. Tua is a go for practice sessions, with expectations he will be cleared for full-contact work during the Dolphins’ preseason camp.

Alabama football fans are not surprised how quickly Tua has been embraced by his new teammates. Tua Tagovailoa is special. Dolphins veteran, Ryan Fitzpatrick praises his new competitor.

"He’s a really interesting guy. He’s got a lot of energy to him. And you can tell guys are going to gravitate to him.There’s something about him that is just very likeable. I can already tell that he’s going to be one of those guys that gets along with everybody, that guys are going to want to follow. He just has that kind of aura about him."

Fitzpatrick has had a long NFL run. He understands the anticipation inside and outside the Miami program for Tua to take charge. Credit to Fitzpatrick, he is accepting the change and pledging to fully support Tua in the transition.

Dolphins, head coach, Brian Flores expects Tua must earn praise.

"We’re going to ask [him] to do the same as every other player. To come in every day, having gone over the install the night before, mentally prepare to go out there and practice, physically prepare to go out there and try to improve every day. That’s all we can ask of the players, and try to keep it one day at a time."

No doubt, Tua wants nothing more than health and an opportunity to prove himself. Expectations are massively high. Many Miami fans are already comparing Tua’s talent to Dan Marino. Alabama football fans will not argue. Tua in Tuscaloosa was a blessing; too short; too marred by injury – but still glorious.

So far, all the Dolphins are good to go. There have been no Miami players opting-out on the season. Only three players have been placed in quarantine. Optimism abounds in south Florida.