DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - The Miami Dolphins’ top prospect is clearing the air saying there is no quarterback controversy within the team.
Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa wore Ryan Fitzpatrick’s number 14 jersey when he spoke to the media during a Zoom meeting, Thursday morning.
Fitzpatrick is said to be the likely starting quarterback in the upcoming season, while Tagovailoa is projected to be the franchise’s future quarterback.
“My focus right now is just trying to get into the playbook, literally, trying to understand what we’re doing offensively and really just trying to build relationships with the guys on the team,” said Tagovailoa. “I definitely believe that coach Flo, Chan, you know, they’re going to put the team in the best position they think is possible, so if that’s me supporting someone or not, that’s what it’s going to be.”
FOX will debut a documentary about Tagovailoa’s life, on and off the field. It’s scheduled to air on 7News at 4 p.m. on Sept. 6.
Tagovailoa said he’s aware of the hype, adding there’s a different level of pressure.
“I understand that it’s there, but I just feel that the focus, the main focus, is just being able to get into my playbook,” he said.
For Tagovailoa, life is changing, and it’s different from playing college football at Alabama and entering the NFL.
“No matter what offense you’re stepping into, it’s always going to be a process of learning, and I think that’s where I’m at,” he said. “It’s definitely a learning curve than what I’m used to at Alabama.”
Last year, Tagovailoa’s season was cut short because of a dislocated hip. There will be no preseason games.
The Dolphins are currently conditioning but they will start training camp on Monday.
Tagovailoa said he’s not worried about being hit in almost a year.
“It’s almost like that trial and error kind of thing. You’ve got to go out and do it in order to know if it does hurt of it doesn’t,” he said, “but as far as how I feel right now, everything is going well.”
The Dolphins announced players this season will have a commemorative patch on their jerseys in honor of the late Don Shula.
The patch also includes the number 347 to signify Shula’s all-time career wins.
Coaches and team personnel will also wear pins with the patch.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.