Football

AFC Offensive Player of the Week Tua Tagovailoa continues to give 'all the glory' to Christ

By Kevin Mercer Sep 14, 2023
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa points to Heaven, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

After suffering two concussions a season ago, many wondered whether Tua Tagovailoa’s health would allow him to be the long-term solution at quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. One game into the 2023-24 season, Tagovailoa has certainly quieted a lot of doubters.

In one of the better games of his four-year career, Tagovailoa on Sunday passed for 466 yards (the fourth-most ever in a season-opening game, and three yards shy of his career high) on 28 completions, tossing three touchdowns and one interception. On Wednesday, he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career.

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On top of his impressive Week 1 performance, Tagovailoa led his team to a wild 36-34 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers. After trailing for much of the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa connected with wide receiver Tyreek Hill on a four-yard touchdown with 1:45 remaining to put the Dolphins ahead for good.

Following the victory, Tagovailoa was interviewed by CBS on the field. Before he mentioned anything about the game, he praised God.

“First and foremost, I’d just like to give all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Tagovailoa said boldly, with his characteristic eye black formed in the shape of a cross. He then referenced the Bible verse Matthew 19:26 by saying, “Without Him, nothing is possible for me.”

Despite only being 25 years old, Tagovailoa has publicly declared his faith in Christ for years, even dating back to his college days. At Alabama, he burst onto the scene as a freshman at halftime of the College Football Playoff national championship game following the 2017 season, leading his team to a dramatic come-from-behind victory in overtime.

On the field after that game as well, he proclaimed his faith in Christ with nearly the exact same words as he did on Sunday.

But it’s not just after the victories that Tagovailoa points his listeners to God. Following a severe hip injury that ended his college career in 2019, he remained devoted to God, and to following His perfect plan.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), Tagovailoa lists 1 Corinthians 2:9 in his bio. The Bible verse says, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

In 2019 while Tagovailoa was a junior and beginning his final season at Alabama, he was asked by CBN News about his faith. He summed it up perfectly.

“The greatest gift that God could’ve ever given us was His Son,” Tagovailoa said at the time. “It’s not just a matter of hearing what Jesus Christ is. It’s a matter of getting to know who Jesus Christ is — to really understand and really feel the identity of who you are because of things that He’s done.

“And I’d say you can only find your identity through Him, if you know Him.”

While Tagovailoa seeks to continue to rest in his identity as a child of God, he remains busy in preparation for Week 2. Tagovailoa and his Dolphins will be on the road again as they travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to take on the New England Patriots (0-1) on “Sunday Night Football.” The game is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.

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