The Atlanta Falcons went through some major changes this offseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Replacing Raheem Morris with Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, they also signed Tua Tagovailoa as a veteran quarterback presence.
Expected to be a starter to begin the year, the former Miami Dolphins star hasn’t endeared himself to the new fan base yet. Unfortunately, a critical error on social media might have further hampered his image.
Tua Tagovailoa Accused of Burner Accounts
Since his glory days with the Dolphins, when he was leading the league in various statistical categories, injuries have taken a toll on Tagovailoa. Last year, he tallied 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
As a result, he finished at number 28 on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metrics. Still, with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL, the Falcons chose to name Tagovailoa the starter for the time being.
As a result, he finished at number 28 on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metrics. Still, with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL, the Falcons chose to name Tagovailoa the starter for the time being.
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A rough preseason alongside some unfavorable clips from training camp left fans unimpressed at what they were watching. To make matters worse, he posted a picture of himself on Instagram.
“Tua forgot to switch to his burner,” one fan exclaimed, with former Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel calling him out as well. He wrote, “I wouldn’t expect anything less from Tua. High fives from the burner account.”
I wouldn’t expect anything less from Tua 😆 high fives from the burner account pic.twitter.com/7cPJQLJihZ
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) September 1, 2026
People couldn’t contain their shock, as one analyst wrote, “Holy [expletive].” Jarrett Bailey of SB Nation, too, confirmed, “Just checked and this is 100% real, Jesus Christ.”
Just checked and this is 100% real, Jesus Christ. https://t.co/t4VJqDa1cB
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) September 1, 2026
Some were confused that the former Pro Bowler hadn’t tried to do something to fix the situation, as one fan claimed, “Been 2 hours and Tua still hasn’t deleted it lmao his brain gotta be studied.”
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However, rather than a case of the burner accounts, the actual explanation was far simpler. Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald revealed, “Or he has a social media team handling his posts. You actually don’t think he controls his social media accounts, do you?”
Or he has a social media team handling his posts.
You actually don’t think he controls his social media accounts do you? https://t.co/W2H1bfIcgw
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) September 1, 2026
Even others started to take note, confessing, “Yes, guys, I am aware it was not him. The optics were just undeniably hilarious. The comment has been deleted, and his wife commented again from her own account so everyone can calm down now.”
Even though it was a mix-up from their social media handler, the moment still left fans in stitches. The Tagovailoa experience for the Falcons has gotten off to a shaky start with his performance on the field.
But such instances off the field aren’t helping his cause either.
