The noise around Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has never really stopped. From “Tank for Tua” chants in college to MVP buzz in 2023, the Miami Dolphins quarterback has lived under a national microscope. But as doubts resurface after another injury-hit season, one former teammate isn’t backing down.
Former Dolphins, Saints DT Terron Armstead Offers Unique Perspective on Tua Tagovailoa’s Growth
Terron Armstead, the recently retired five-time Pro Bowl tackle, made his stance crystal clear on a recent episode of “Good Morning Football”: He still believes in Tagovailoa and he’s doubling down on a bold comparison.
“I may be the one that originated the Drew Brees comparison, and I’ll stand on that,” Armstead said. “I think he’s special, I really do. There’s very few guys that’ve walked this planet that can do what he can do with the football in his hand.”
.@T_Armstead72 gives @Tua his flowers💐@MiamiDolphins | #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/Zf6cyhhmML
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 23, 2025
That’s not lip service. Armstead spent the final three seasons of his career blocking for Tagovailoa in Miami, and before that, he protected Brees in New Orleans. Few linemen are better positioned to make that call and fewer still are willing to make it on national television.
Last week, he pointed to Tua’s anticipation, accuracy, and ability to operate in high-leverage moments as the difference-makers.
“That assassin mode, that sniper mode, that’s championship DNA,” said Armstead. “And I believe he can do it.”
Armstead’s endorsement sets a high bar for Tagovailoa, but the real question is whether the Dolphins quarterback can meet those lofty expectations when it matters most.
Can Tagovailoa Finally Put It All Together?
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Tagovailoa’s career has been a rollercoaster. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, most notably in 2023, when he led the league in passing yards, made the Pro Bowl and helped the Dolphins reach 11 wins. He also earned a five-year, $212.4 million extension that offseason, signaling Miami’s long-term commitment.
But availability continues to be the sticking point. Tagovailoa has finished just one full season in five years, with multiple concussions and other injuries interrupting promising stretches. He missed six games in 2024, and Miami collapsed without him, missing the playoffs for the first time in two seasons.
That’s why skepticism remains. Tagovailoa’s highs have been elite, but the lows, especially on the injury front, have been hard to ignore.
Heading into 2025, Tagovailoa has a chance to quiet the noise. He has one of the league’s most explosive receiving duos in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, a system built around his strengths and finally, a full offseason to reset.
Armstead’s comments won’t change public perception overnight, but they do underscore the belief that still exists inside Miami’s locker room, even in retirement. Tagovailoa doesn’t have to be Drew Brees but if he can stay healthy and win consistently, he won’t have to be anyone else.