The discourse surrounding quarterbacks in this year’s NFL Draft has been focused on the top prospect, Joe Burrow, but plenty of intrigue follows Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa was once the surefire first overall pick, but a serious hip injury derailed his 2019 season and put his future in real doubt.
But he’s progressing well following surgery, and expects to go through a throwing session at his April pro day. When asked which pro quarterbacks Tagovailoa models his style of play after, he highlighted two veteran mentors in the NFL.
“I try to emulate my game after guys like Russell Wilson and Drew Brees,” Tagovailoa said, “Everyone knows how good they are, but’s it’s also about what they do off the field.”
Tagovailoa added that he talks with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints quarterbacks through text messages from time to time, leaning on their experience as successful passers who were underrated for their size coming out of college. Like Tagovailoa (who measured in at 6-foot-0, 217 pounds), Wilson (5-foot-11, 206 pounds) and Brees (listed at 6-foot-1, 209 pounds) each faced doubts that they would be able to play at a high level in the NFL due to their below-average stature.
And while Brees and Wilson have each thrived on the field, Tagovailoa is right to acknowledge their efforts in philanthropy and charity. Brees has invested time and money in a range of pursuits to help others while offering his help as a mentor for many younger athletes, and Wilson visits Seattle-area children’s hospitals every week during his days off. That’s an example that any young quarterback would be wise to look to.
