Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has displayed pride in his heritage throughout his life. But what exactly is his background?
The NFL allows decals representing the nationalities of its players and coaches to adorn either the coach’s shirt or the player’s helmet. For example, former New England head coach Bill Belichick wore a Croatian flag pin, paying homage to his family. But why does Tagovailoa have an American Samoan flag if he’s from Hawaii?
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s Samoan Heritage, Explained
The Miami passer wears the American Samoa flag on the back of his helmet because his parents were born and raised in American Samoa before moving to Hawaii. As for Tagovailoa, he was born in Ewa Beach, on the south side of O’ahu. Although not Hawaiian by heritage, he still calls the area home.
Meanwhile, his ancestral home sits roughly 2,500 miles south, in American Samoa, a territory of the United States. Since 1899, the 77-square-mile island has been a part of the country, with its residents being American citizens. In 1967, the island ratified its current constitution.
What does that mean? While the United States views American Samoa as a territory, it operates its own local governing body, the Fono. Additionally, American Samoa is not to be confused with Samoa, a group of two inhabited islands and several smaller ones, formerly occupied by Germany and New Zealand, which stands as a separate, independent nation.
Tagovailoa’s parents, Galu and Diane, are both of Samoan descent. The family maintains a close personal bond to the island and its culture, some of which centers around religion. Tagovailoa’s eyeblack routine consists of two crosses, one on each cheek. The culture means the world to Tagovailoa, who intends to teach future generations the ancestral ways.
pic.twitter.com/xZ24Uw1tTs Tua coming back from 35-14 by throwing 6 TDS & 469 YDS. https://t.co/3OawZ3tse2
— 🐬Run Ricky Run🐬 (@RunRickyRun34_) July 19, 2024
“Our parents were born there, and they moved to Hawaii and raised all of us,” Galu said. “The culture never left. It was kept alive. The language and traditional customs. Weddings and funerals, it’s not lost. It’s what’s been passed on from our parents. It’s what I want to pass on to our kids.”
Samoan culture runs deep within the modern NFL. For example, the Elliss sibling linebackers Jonah (Denver Broncos) and Kaden (Atlanta Falcons) currently roam the field, as did their father, former Pro Bowl defensive lineman Luther.
Other notable players with Samoan heritage include the late, great Junior Seau, former Steeler Troy Polamalu, and Penei Sewell.
Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and Rams star wideout Puka Nacua also display their Samoan heritage. The connection goes back decades. In 1945, Washington offensive lineman Al Lolotai became the first player of Samoan descent to play in an NFL game.
Like those before and after him, Tagovailoa expresses pride in his Samoan culture and heritage.
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While he might be separated from both his home and his family’s home by thousands of miles, the Alabama product always makes sure to represent the place that has shaped his career.
