President Donald Trump named a number of high-profile athletes to his Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition this week. One of those players is Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa was asked by media members about being named to the council and he had a pretty funny response. The council also includes Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. While Trump initially said Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquan Barkley was on the council, Barkley later disputed this.
What was Tagovailoa’s response when asked about joining the council?
What Are Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s Thoughts?
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Tagovailoa told reporters, including beat writer David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. “It’s an honor. I would say that I don’t know too much about it. But again, I think that’s an honor.”
Trump, in making the council announcement, didn’t really have a solid grasp on how to pronounce Tagovailoa’s name. The Dolphins’ starting quarterback was asked about this as well.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa on being appointed by President Donald Trump to his Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
And Tua does a Trump impersonation 😂 pic.twitter.com/pDGKNZDmEG
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 6, 2025
“I don’t think he’s had the worst,” Tagovailoa said. “I’ve heard a couple of worse in Alabama. But it is what it is. I don’t take that to heart.”
Then, Tagovailoa did a brief impression of Trump: “‘But he’s a great guy, phenomenal guy, just got to stay healthy.’ All that, I liked it, I enjoyed it.”
He was asked how this all developed when it came to being named to the council. Tagovailoa offered his best response to the question.
“I… I mean, I should ask you that question too, bro,” he said. “How did that all develop? I’m not too sure.”
Can Tagovailoa Stay Healthy This Season?
Last season, Tagovailoa appeared in 11 games with a 72.9% completion rate. He threw 19 touchdown passes and seven interceptions for the Dolphins, who didn’t make the NFL postseason.
Tagovailoa has been in the NFL for five seasons, amassing 15,506 career passing yards with 100 touchdown passes compared to 44 interceptions.
Tagovailoa’s concussion issues are well-documented. In order to get the Dolphins back into the postseason discussion, he’s going to have to stay healthy this season. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator Frank Smith are depending on a full season from Tagovailoa, the one-time Alabama Crimson Tide sensation.
It’s a bit ironic that he was named to the council, as he’s dealt with fitness issues in the NFL. Should Tagovailoa be able to stay healthy and free of concussions, the Dolphins hope their offense can return to form. Last season, Tagovailoa played well when he was on the field, finishing No. 8 in PFSN’s QB+ metric. However, Miami’s offense struggled mightily when he was out, ranking 15th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season.
