This is a pivotal time for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
After guiding the Dolphins to a 9-8 record in each of the past two seasons, the fourth-year QB will look to take the AFC East to greater heights this season and beyond.
Here's a look at his young career thus far.
Where was Tua Tagovailoa selected in the NFL Draft?
The Miami Dolphins tabbed Tagovailoa with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, with Joe Burrow (No. 1 overall) the only QB selected before him. Tagovailoa helped lead Alabama to a national football championship in college and was named the Offensive MVP of that title game. Tagovailoa was born and raised in Hawaii and is of Samoan descent.
Getting acclimated with NFL football his rookie year
Tagovailoa's rookie campaign had him completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games, helping the Dolphins to a 10-6 record — although they missed making the postseason cut.
Growing as an NFL quarterback
The 25-year-old Tagovailoa led the Dolphins to a 9-8 record in 2021 and brought the team to an identical finish in the 2022 season.
However, his third year in the NFL had him improving on passing yards with 3,548 and touchdowns with 25 — both career-highs — while delivering one of the best quarterback ratings of the 2022 season.
The Dolphins even made it to the postseason as a Wild Card team, though they suffered a 34-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Despite the disappointing finish, Tagovailoa has a lot to look forward to moving ahead for the Dolphins.