Tua Tagovailoa has been part of the headlines in the United States with some frequency in recent weeks. Not only for signing a contract extension with the Miami Dolphinsbut also for his criticism of the team’s former head coach Brian Flores and his praise for the current head coach, Mike McDaniel.
The quarterback, who agreed to a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the team in July, is clearly the face of the Dolphins right now, so seeing his name in the media is becoming more and more common. McDaniel believes Tagovailoa has handled the situation wonderfully, as well as a renewed leadership role in Miami.
“There are some guys that have that X factor,” McDaniel said, as reported by The Associated Press. “Honestly, you know when a team trusts their quarterback. And I think the appreciation for his tools was great before, but nothing compared to the respect and esteem he has from his teammates now.”
However, the player assures that, although others may not have realized it in the past, that leadership is something he has always counted on.
Words make the difference
“I’ve had the X factor,” he said. “It’s been that way since I was in high school, going through college and being here. It’s how I’ve always visualized myself. Going out there, competing, no problem, stylish, calm. But inside, very competitive. A lot of the guys know what I’m like, so I think it’s just showing now that I’m becoming a more vocal leader.”
Tagovailoa’s willingness to speak up was evident to his teammates during the preseason. It’s something that excites the team and its fans who, under his leadership, hope to earn their first playoff win in 24 years.
