It seems like just about everywhere you look in South Florida these days, you’ll find yourself Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. And as the Dolphins’ No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft celebrates his 23rd birthday today, we’re seeing Miami’s young face of the franchise getting out to enjoy some of the recreations in South Florida before the league opens their calendar year and the Dolphins are set to turn to offseason workouts.
First, Tagovailoa served as the Grand Marshal at Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway while in attendance at the NASCAR event. And Monday brought a different sporting avenue, Tagovailoa made an appearance at the BB&T Center for the Florida Panthers’ contest against the Carolina Hurricanes.
For his efforts, Tagovailoa was gifted a jersey from the organization after making a brief appearance on the video board.
A lil #ReverseRetro early bday gift for @tua
pic.twitter.com/MB7vpfbJu5
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 2, 2021
The attention Tagovailoa seems to get for doing just about anything is a testament to his star power coming out of the University of Alabama — where he was one of the most prolific passers in college football history. And while 2020 didn’t offer the same production that Chargers QB Justin Herbert found (after being picked one spot behind Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft), Tagovailoa showed ample promise between some of the late game performances and no-huddle offense to help push the Dolphins to a 6-3 record in his nine starts with the team.
Miami’s three losses came at the hands of the 14-2 Kansas City Chiefs (and AFC Champions), the 13-3 Buffalo Bills (AFC Conference runner-ups) and the Denver Broncos. Miami’s loss to Denver looms as a sore spot — although Miami entered Week 17 with their destiny in their own hands, the Dolphins could have walked into Buffalo with a playoff spot clinched had the team avoided their letdown against Denver.
But with plenty of variables around Tagovailoa in the Dolphins’ offense not tailored specifically to his strengths, Miami should be eagerly awaiting the open of the 2021 offseason to being undertaking a critical task for their now 23-year old quarterback: building up the talent around him to see what he can do when the team’s personnel meshes with his style of play.
It may have to be late, but it’s the best gift the Dolphins can give Tagovailoa for his birthday this year. And their first shot to close a deal is two weeks out as the league calendar year opens on the 17th.
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