As the Miami Dolphins prepare for a crucial Week 9 clash with the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is making headlines-this time, not for his play on the field, but for his latest look.
‘Almost made me cry today,’ Tyreek Hill on having Tua Tagovailoa back in Dolphins practice
Tua’s new look has fans buzzing
The 26-year-old QB surprised fans and teammates alike when he appeared at Wednesday’s practice sporting a fresh hairstyle, a throwback to his college days at Alabama, complete with a flame-colored, fall-inspired look held back by a headband.
“Just did it,”Tagovailoa told reporters when asked about the sudden change.
When pressed for details, he explained there was “no specific reason,” saying he “just decided” it was time for something new.
His bold choice quickly became a talking point on social media, where fans were both surprised and excited to see his new style, with some speculating it could mark a fresh start for the struggling Dolphins.
“Is Bama Tua back?” one fan posted, while another added, “That’s the change this team needed.”
Tua feeling like himself in NFL return
Tagovailoa’s latest return to the field follows a six-week recovery from his fourth documented concussion, a distressing injury sustained after a collision with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
Having been medically cleared and activated from injured reserve, Tagovailoa stepped back onto the field in Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, marking his first game since his September injury.
Despite the team’s struggles, he showed flashes of his best form, throwing for 234 yards, one touchdown, and completing nearly 74 percent of his passes.
He admitted there was one slip-up-a mishandled snap in the third quarter led to a safety-but otherwise felt in control.
“I would say I felt like myself,”Tagovailoa remarked after the game.
“I’ve been preparing for five weeks as if I were to play while I was on IR, so that’s what it was. It felt normal coming out there.”
At 2-5, the Dolphins are 10th in the AFC and need to climb out of a challenging playoff scenario.
Only 11 of the 248 teams in NFL history that started 2-5 have managed to reach the playoffs, but Tagovailoa remains optimistic.
“I think there’s always time, brother. There’s always time. Seventeen games,” he said.
“Whether we’re counted out or not, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to continue to play football. Anything’s possible.”
Despite the tough season, Tagovailoa’s return has energized a team looking for any spark it can find.
The Dolphins are riding a streak of five losses in six games, and fans are hopeful his refreshed look could bring a boost similar to the one seen last season, when a mid-season hairstyle change coincided with a winning streak.
