MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tua Tagovailoa literally wouldn’t leave field following first NFL snaps.
They say you never forget your first time. For Miami Dolphins fans and Tua Tagovailoa, it certainly was a moment the two will hope to remember as part of the fond memories of their relationship.
Tagovailoa officially made his NFL. debut in. the team’s 24-0 victory over the New York Jets. With three minutes remaining, the No.5 selection in April’s draft entered the game, marking his first time playing football in nearly a year.
Tagovailoa would go 2-of-2 on passing for nine yards in mop-up duty. And after the game, he took the “first one in, last one out” mentality to a literal standpoint, sitting down on the field at Hard Rock Stadium well after fans had left the complex.
During his final season at Alabama, Tagovailoa would suffer a broken hip injury that caused some to believe he would never play again. After rehabilitation and determination, the young quarterback blossomed during workouts, eventually cementing his status as a top 10 pick during the 2020 NFL Draft.
Current starter Ryan Fitzpatrick finished 18-of-27 for 191 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions to give the Dolphins a 3-3 record on the season. The Dolphins will have a bye in Week 7 before returning to face the Los Angeles Rams on Nov.1.