Tua Tagovailoa: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Tuanigamanuolepola “Tua” Tagovailoa is a professional American football quarterback known for his exceptional talent, leadership, and resilience. He currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). Since his college days at the University of Alabama, Tua has been regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks in football. His journey from a young boy in Hawaii to an NFL star is a story of dedication, family support, and perseverance.
- Age: 26 Years
- Date of Birth: March 2, 1998
- Birth Place: Ewa Beach, Hawaii, USA
- Weight: 227 pounds (103 kilograms)
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall
- Net Worth: $212.4 million
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Tua Tagovailoa was born on March 2, 1998, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, USA. As of February 14, 2025, he is 26 years old. He was born into a deeply religious Samoan-American family that emphasized faith, discipline, and strong family bonds.
Tua is the eldest of four children, born to Galu and Diane Tagovailoa. His father, Galu, played a significant role in shaping Tua’s football career. The Tagovailoa family is known for their close-knit relationships, and their unwavering support has been a crucial part of Tua’s success.
Tua’s siblings include:
- Taulia Tagovailoa – His younger brother, who played quarterback for Alabama before transferring to Maryland and later signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL.
- Taylor Tagovailoa – His sister, known for her deep connection with their maternal grandfather.
- Taysia Tagovailoa – Another sister, who has a background as a track athlete.
The family’s Polynesian heritage is a significant part of Tua’s identity. His grandfather, Seu Tagovailoa, was a highly respected figure in the Samoan community and played a crucial role in inspiring Tua’s football career.
Early Passion for Football
From a young age, Tua was deeply passionate about football. His father, Galu, recognized his potential early and trained him rigorously. Interestingly, Tua is naturally right-handed, but his father trained him to throw with his left hand to gain a competitive advantage. This unique decision contributed to his distinctive playing style.
Growing up, Tua was inspired by Marcus Mariota, another Hawaiian quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy. Mariota’s success fueled Tua’s ambition to excel in football.
High School Career
Tua attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii, a prestigious high school known for producing top-tier football talent. The school’s alumni include Marcus Mariota, who later became Tua’s mentor.
During his high school career, Tua demonstrated exceptional skill:
- He passed for 33 touchdowns and over 2,500 yards as a junior.
- He improved further as a senior, throwing for 3,932 yards and 43 touchdowns.
- His outstanding performances led him to become the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in his class.
His performances caught the attention of many top NCAA football programs, and he received scholarship offers from over 15 schools.
College Career: University of Alabams
Joining Alabama
In 2017, Tua committed to the University of Alabama, joining the Crimson Tide under legendary coach Nick Saban. Although he started as a backup to Jalen Hurts, he quickly made a name for himself.
Breakthrough: 2018 National Championship
Tua’s breakout moment came in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship against the Georgia Bulldogs. He was brought in during the second half, replacing Jalen Hurts. In a dramatic comeback:
- He threw for 166 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- He delivered a game-winning 41-yard touchdown pass in overtime, leading Alabama to a 26-23 victory.
- He was named Offensive MVP of the championship game.
College Success and Records
Tua’s sophomore season in 2018 was legendary:
- He passed for 3,966 yards, 43 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions.
- He led Alabama to a 14-1 record.
- He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, losing to Kyler Murray.
His junior year in 2019 was cut short by a severe hip injury, but he still managed 2,840 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in just 9 games.
Despite his injury, he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft and was projected as a top prospect.
NFL Career with the Miami Dolphins
2020 NFL Draft
Tua was selected 5th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. His selection was seen as a pivotal moment for the franchise, hoping he would become their franchise quarterback.
Rookie Season (2020)
- He made his first start in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.
- He threw for 11 touchdowns and 1,814 yards in his rookie season.
- He finished the season with a 6-3 record as a starter.
Continued Development (2021-2023)
- In 2021, Tua battled injuries but showed improvement, throwing for 2,653 yards and 16 touchdowns.
- In 2022, he had a breakout year, leading the Dolphins to the playoffs and posting 3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and a league-leading passer rating of 105.5.
- 2023 saw Tua throw for 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns, making his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Contract Extension (2024)
In July 2024, Tua signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins. This contract made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, securing his future as the team’s leader.
Challenges and Resilience
Tua’s career has been marked by injuries, particularly concussions in the 2022 season, raising concerns about his long-term health. In response:
- He started practicing jiu-jitsu to improve his falling technique, reducing the risk of head injuries.
- He adjusted his playing style to protect himself while maintaining his effectiveness.
His ability to overcome adversity has made him a respected leader both on and off the field.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Tua is married to Annah Gore, and the couple has two children:
- Son: Ace
- Daughter: Maisey
Despite his fame, Tua maintains a private and humble lifestyle, focusing on faith and family.
Philanthropy
In February 2021, Tua founded the Tua Foundation, which focuses on:
- Youth development
- Health and wellness programs
- Community support in Hawaii, Alabama, and Miami
His charitable work includes:
- Donating $300,000 to relief efforts in Hawaii.
- Funding scholarships for underprivileged students.
Cultural Heritage
Tua is proud of his Samoan heritage and frequently participates in cultural events. In 2018, after winning the National Championship, he performed a traditional Samoan taualuga dance to honor his roots.
In 2024, he launched a clothing line in collaboration with Perry Ellis, inspired by Polynesian culture.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Tua Tagovailoa’s estimated net worth is $60 million. His earnings come from:
- NFL contracts (over $200 million in career earnings)
- Endorsements (deals with Adidas, Muscle Milk, Bose, and Perry Ellis)
- Investments in real estate and businesses
His 2024 contract extension guarantees him financial security, making him one of the wealthiest quarterbacks in the league.
Conclusion
Tua Tagovailoa’s journey from a small town in Hawaii to becoming the face of the Miami Dolphins is an inspiring story of hard work, resilience, and family support. Despite facing injuries and challenges, he has continued to grow as a leader and athlete.
