The Miami Dolphins are rallying around a new ethos of personal accountability heading into the 2024 NFL season, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading by example. At a recent press conference, Tagovailoa emphasized that every player owns their actions on the field, distinctly shifting the perspective from coaching to player responsibility.
“This isn’t Mike [McDaniel]’s team — this is our team,” Tagovailoa asserted. He elaborated on the notion by personalizing his on-field errors: “If I go out there and I throw a pick, it’s not [quarterbacks coach] Darrell Bevell that threw the pick; it’s not [McDaniel]’s play call that threw the pick. That’s my name on that.”
Despite the serious tone about accountability, the atmosphere at the Dolphins’ training camp remains upbeat. Tagovailoa highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between enjoyment and diligence.
“We love to have fun. Who doesn’t like to have fun?”
he commented. But he was quick to add, “We better make sure we all know what we’re doing, because if something slips up, you best know on this team this year, you’re getting called out.”
Teammates have noticed a significant evolution in Tagovailoa’s leadership style. Dolphins wide receiver Tanner Conner noted on The Dive Bar Podcast, “He’s definitely more outspoken, he’s not afraid to step on guys’ toes or hurt feelings anymore.”
Offensive tackle Terron Armstead also praised Tagovailoa’s growth, saying, “He’s more vocal, got a swagger about him. He’s hard on himself still, which we appreciate. He’s not afraid to call himself out, he’s not afraid to call others out which he wouldn’t necessarily do my first year here.”
In becoming a more prominent leader, Tagovailoa isn’t just setting a tone; he’s defining his era with the Dolphins. After being named a team captain in the past two seasons, his leadership trajectory seems to be peaking.
His commitment was further solidified with a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension signed in July, ensuring his place at the heart of the team’s dynamics for years to come. This season, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins seem poised not just to play hard but to hold each other to a high standard, aiming for success built on mutual accountability and respect.