Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is set to appear on an upcoming episode of ESPN’s “My Wish” series, scheduled for July 17th. The series, embarking on its 17th season starting this Sunday, showcases stars from the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and the Olympics.
Since its inception in 2006, “My Wish” has collaborated with the Make-A-Wish foundation to bring to life 84 sports-related wishes for children battling critical illnesses. This season, the story of 15-year-old Yisroel, who is currently on a transplant list, will be highlighted. Unable to play football due to his condition, Yisroel, a die-hard fan and local of South Florida, wished to meet his favorite team and spend time with Tagovailoa.
Yisroel, constantly following his beloved Miami Dolphins, will get a memorable opportunity to play catch with Tagovailoa, a moment that’s sure to have an everlasting impact. ESPN producer Eric Dowling expressed how special this experience is for a lifelong sports fan like Yisroel.
The series will also feature other high-profile athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, the Duke Men’s Basketball team, the San Francisco 49ers, and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Beyond the gridiron, Tagovailoa is known for his generosity. In 2021, he launched the Tua Foundation to support youth initiatives, health, wellness, and various charitable activities. According to Tagovailoa, the foundation aims to create significant positive impacts, driven by his deepest convictions and personal beliefs.
Moreover, in 2020, Tagovailoa founded a $300,000 scholarship program at his alma mater, Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Named after his grandparents, the scholarships support students over a four-year period.
On the professional front, Tagovailoa is navigating contract talks as he seeks an extension; his current rookie deal is set to expire in 2025, with a cap hit of just over $23 million for this year.