Former Alabama star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is getting adjusted to his new life as an NFL signal caller with the Miami Dolphins. Part of the adjustment is getting acquainted with the incumbent quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Despite being the No. 5 overall selection in the 2020 NFL draft, Tagovailoa is not expected to immediately start for the South Florida franchise. This is due to his hip injury from last November, and it also allows him more time to establish a presence within the team and learn the playbook.
While he may be No. 2 on the depth chart, he has already been a focal point for Dolphins fans and NFL fans, alike.
During Thursday’s virtual media availability Tagovailoa showed up wearing a Fitzpatrick jersey and had high praise for the veteran traveling quarterback.
Will Manso, the Sports Director for WPLG in Miami posted a clip from the online press conference that showed Tagovailoa discussing his relationship with Fitzpatrick.
The 2018 Heisman finalist talks about recently meeting Fitzpatrick’s family for the first time via FaceTime. He commends the 37-year old quarterback for being a family man and a leader.
A funny anecdote within the story tells of Fitzpatrick forgetting to introduce Tagovaioa to two of his six children.
“To me, it’s kind of mind boggling how down to earth he is,” Tagovailoa says. “It’s one of those things where this guy gets it. I don’t know what it is, but he gets it. The saying goes true. it says, ‘if you want to get somewhere fast, you go it alone, but if you want to do it with purpose, you bring people with you.'”
Tagovailoa also praises Fitzpatrick for supporting and “promoting” himself and Josh Rosen.
You can watch the full clip below.
Tua Tagovailoa on his relationship with Ryan Fitzpatrick and meeting Fitzy’s big family recently. pic.twitter.com/Gem4FSi7Ug
— Will Manso (@WillManso) August 13, 2020
There’s no telling when Tagoavailoa will make his NFL debut. Videos have been posted of him participating at full speed with no limitations in Dolphins training camp, which is a good sign that he’s on schedule to appear in-game during the 2020 season.