The NFL world has been abuzz with the unfolding drama between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his former head coach, Brian Flores. This intricate relationship has seen layers of public scrutiny, as Tagovailoa's recent comments about Flores have garnered significant attention.
The Draft Decisions
Tagovailoa was picked fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Behind this critical decision was Dolphins GM Chris Grier, who faced considerable challenges. Among them were whispers and rumors that Flores preferred Justin Herbert, who was subsequently drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. Whether these whispers impacted the team dynamics remains speculative, but it’s clear they set the stage for future tensions.
Early NFL Career for Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa’s debut in the NFL came during a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets in the 2020 season and by Week 8, he was starting against the Los Angeles Rams. However, consistency was elusive. In a Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Flores substituted Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during the fourth quarter, and similar scenarios played out in subsequent games, notably in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Challenges and Criticism
By the 2021 season, reports surfaced about the Dolphins' interest in trading for Deshaun Watson, adding another layer of complexity to Tagovailoa's tenure. These swirling rumors, coupled with in-game substitutions, arguably contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty for the young quarterback.
Tagovailoa vividly encapsulated this internal strife in his own words, "To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this. And then you have somebody else come in and tell you, 'Dude, you are the best fit for this. You're accurate. You're the best whatever, you're this, you're that.' How would it make you feel listening to one or the other?”
Flores Responds
Flores, now a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reflected on this criticism, remarking, "Look, I'm human. So that hit me in a way that wasn't positive for me. But at the same time, I've got to use that and say, 'Hey, how can I grow from that? How can I be better?' And that's really where I'm at from that standpoint. Do I feel like that's me? No. But how can I grow from that situation and create a world where that's not the case that anyone says that about Brian Flores?”
New Beginnings
January 2022 marked the end of Flores' tenure with the Dolphins after a 9-8 season. His departure paved the way for Mike McDaniel, who brought a renewed sense of direction to the team. Tagovailoa embraced this change, stating, "I just feel like there are so many things that have happened. There are a lot of changes, and a lot of good changes, I guess, with the people that we've picked up and the guys that we've acquired as well. The locker room feels different.”
Tagovailoa's Comeback
Under McDaniel's leadership, Tagovailoa flourished. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and in passing yards in 2023. Celebrating his first Pro Bowl nod was a testament to his transformation and resilience. McDaniel's faith in Tagovailoa was evident, as he emphasized, "We're gonna have an extensive professional relationship, my man. One thing I know about you is, you have the ambition to be great. My job is to coach you to get all that greatness out of you… This is an awesome day for me, and I'm damn sure gonna make sure that when you look back on this day, you're gonna be like, 'Damn, that was one of the best days of my career, too.' But I'll earn that from you, you got me?”
Tagovailoa himself acknowledged the importance of having supportive leadership. "I think support for any of us as players means a lot. We understand that the NFL is a tough industry. It's tough to play because you're playing against the best every Sunday. But to be able to have support of the head coach, the head guy, that should tell you a lot," he noted.
In retrospect, the journey of Tua Tagovailoa from a contentious draft pick to a leading NFL quarterback underscores the volatile nature of professional sports. This unfolding drama between Tagovailoa and Flores, marked by criticism and growth, serves as a compelling narrative within the larger story of the Miami Dolphins’ evolving dynamics.