After five injury-riddled, up-and-down seasons, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa heads into 2025 looking like a different player. Time changes people, no matter their job. No one stays exactly the same year to year—or at least, they shouldn’t.
Football’s no different. Every season, the league gets faster and more athletic at every position. For quarterbacks, the game might slow down mentally, but defenders still gain a step. As time passes, veterans naturally step into leadership roles. In Miami, that might be the formula for success.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Offseason Transformation Could Signal New Era in Miami
Bob Griese showed that leadership in the 1970s. Dan Marino followed in the 1980s. Now, it’s Tua’s turn to step into that role. Plenty of quarterbacks play the position, but not all lead. Championship teams usually need their QB to take on that responsibility.
Tua has always carried himself a little differently. Back in his Alabama days, he was known for being quiet and coach-first. That seems to have changed this offseason. Dolphins tackle Austin Jackson told The Palm Beach Post that Tua’s growth is noticeable
“Tua in Year 6, he’s definitely a lot more confident and decisive on and off the field,” Jackson said. “He knows what people are supposed to be doing in terms of training. He knows what we’re doing on the field.
“He knows how to take care of his body. He knows how to unite guys, bring us together for team camaraderie and stuff, just to get together. He’s a full-blown leader, and I think he’s showing that he wants to take control of this team, and he is.”
Of all the voices on the team, Jackson probably has the clearest view. They entered the league together as first-round picks in 2020, and he’s had a front-row seat for the changes Tua’s made. The talent has always been there.
Your daily dose of football 😎 pic.twitter.com/nSG4qH3ho3
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) June 4, 2025
Looking at the numbers, Tua’s career has been better than many expected. He’s completed 68.1% of his passes and made the playoffs twice in the last three seasons. Now at 27, there’s a sense he’s finally being appreciated, despite lingering concerns about concussions and life after football.
However, this version of Tua appears focused and clearheaded, which should give fans hope. Leadership brings new standards and accountability.
No one’s asking him to go from Ned Flanders to John Wick overnight, but even small steps in taking control of the team will go a long way. Miami’s offense is basically a track meet in helmets. Now, they have a quarterback with vision, purpose, and direction.