Tua Tagovailoa is a name that’s become synonymous with talent, resilience, and leadership in the world of American football. As the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL), Tua has steadily made a name for himself on the national stage. Born on March 2, 1998, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, he was raised in a household where football wasn’t just a pastime—it was a way of life. His parents, Galu and Diane Tagovailoa, both played the sport in high school, and his father even continued his journey at the University of Hawaii. It’s no surprise then that Tua Tagovailoa would follow in those footsteps, especially since athletic excellence runs deep in the family—his younger brother Taulia is also a quarterback, currently playing college football at the University of Maryland.
From an early age, Tua Tagovailoa showed a deep passion for the game. He started with flag football as a kid, quickly displaying a natural feel for the field. That early spark evolved into serious dedication when he transitioned to tackle football during high school. At Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Tua wasn’t just another player—he was the starting quarterback and a driving force behind the team’s success. In his senior year, he led them to a state championship and earned the prestigious title of Hawaii State Player of the Year. These achievements didn’t go unnoticed; scouts from top college programs across the country began taking serious notice of Tua Tagovailoa’s potential.
Eventually, Tua Tagovailoa committed to the University of Alabama, home to one of the most elite football programs in the nation. His impact was immediate. During his freshman season, he came off the bench in the second half of the National Championship game and orchestrated a legendary comeback victory over the University of Georgia. That moment catapulted him into the national spotlight. The following year, Tua became the full-time starter and delivered an outstanding performance—throwing for over 3,000 yards and racking up 43 touchdowns. His junior season started strong, but unfortunately, it was cut short due to a serious hip injury in November 2019. Still, demonstrating remarkable determination, Tua Tagovailoa declared for the 2020 NFL Draft and was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins.
When you look at Tua Tagovailoa both on and off the field, a clear personality pattern begins to emerge—one that aligns closely with the ENFP (Extraverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Perceiving) type. Known for their enthusiasm, empathy, and creativity, ENFPs often shine as natural leaders, and Tua Tagovailoa is no exception. His ability to build strong connections with teammates and inspire those around him reflects his strong Feeling and Extraverted traits. Meanwhile, his knack for making quick, imaginative decisions under pressure highlights his Intuitive and Perceiving sides. All of this combines to make Tua Tagovailoa not just a skilled quarterback, but a motivating presence who pushes everyone on the team to reach their highest potential.
In addition to being an ENFP, Tua Tagovailoa also fits the Enneagram Type 3 with a 2 wing (3w2). This personality blend is often described as charismatic, driven, and socially aware. People with a 3w2 profile thrive on recognition and are highly motivated to succeed, but they also have a genuine desire to support and uplift others. Tua Tagovailoa embodies this perfectly—he works tirelessly to stay ahead of the competition and values being acknowledged for his efforts, yet he never loses sight of his teammates or the broader community. Whether he’s leading a game-winning drive or engaging in charitable outreach, Tua Tagovailoa consistently shows that heart and ambition can go hand in hand.
I don't ever want to be comfortable. I always want to be in a position where I'm uncomfortable, where I feel like I always have to work.