Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently had a tough outing against the Buffalo Bills. After a fast start to the season, Tagovailoa was 25-for-35 with 282 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception in the 48-20 loss. He was sacked four times. In the postgame conference, Tagovailoa was asked how his faith helped him get over tough losses.
He said, “I think the best thing about being a believer of Jesus Christ, to me, is that the Good Lord up above doesn’t care whether you win a game, whether you lose a game. For me, it’s been a little tough having to play on Sundays, having to understand that I’m not able to go to church.”
Tagovailoa continued, “Really, a lot of it is having to watch church online after games and things like that. But allowing me this platform, to me, is the thing in the world to be able to profess my faith on something that I firmly believe in, something that’s been foundationally instilled in me at a young age.” He also expressed his belief in the power of prayer and how it helps him on the sideline.
The 25-year-old quarterback said, “When I’m out there, I even pray before I go out to a series and whatnot. I’m always praying. I’m on the sideline, and it looks like I’m talking to myself, but I’m speaking in tongues. Some people think, ‘What? This guy knows how to speak in tongues?’ I grew up in a non-denominational Christian church my entire life, so yeah, it does a lot. So having to remember scripture always keeps me encouraged in continuing to press forward, especially in times like this.”
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. In the first game of the 2023-24 season, Tagovailoa certainly quieted many doubters. After 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 black eye 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.” Although only 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.
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.”