Tua Tagovailoa‘s dramatic weight loss has become the talk of theMiami Dolphins OTAs, with teammates and commentators weighing in on the quarterback’s new physique. Tagovailoa, who ended last season on the heavier side, arrived at this offseason’s training sessions looking significantly leaner, catching everyone’s attention.
Tyreek Hill, always ready with a quip, couldn’t help but joke about the change. “I saw Tua at Pro Bowl I was kinda scared. He was fat as s-t…How skinny he got, what’s the stuff everybody is taking, Ozempic?” Hill’s comments had reporters laughing, but they also highlighted the stark difference in Tagovailoa’s appearance from just a few months ago.
Jaylen Waddle, another key Dolphins wideout, expressed a more sentimental view. Reflecting on the quarterback’s former build, he said, “I told him I miss chubby Tua,” as reported by NFL Network. Despite the jokes, Waddle’s comment hinted at the camaraderie and bond within the team, even as they adapt to changes.
Tua Tagovailoa’s weight loss: Commitment or concern?
Tagovailoa himself took a more earnest approach when discussing his transformation. He attributed his weight loss to “diet and exercise” and a strict regimen of cutting out sugars. “I feel better,” Tagovailoa told reporters. “Quicker on my feet. More nimble. I can extend plays more.” His commitment to improving his physical condition reflects his dedication to enhancing his performance on the field.
However, not everyone sees Tagovailoa’s slimmed-down frame as a positive development. FS1 host Colin Cowherd raised concerns, suggesting that the weight loss could be a disadvantage. “I saw something this weekend where Tua Tagovailoa showed up to a promotional event and looked noticeably thin. He’s listed at 225 and he looked to be about 200 pounds. And this is a pocket quarterback… It is a little alarming,” Cowherd said.
Cowherd’s critique didn’t stop there. He drew comparisons to other legendary quarterbacks, arguing that none were particularly thin. “There’s never been a great skinny quarterback in league history. Mannings weren’t, Favre wasn’t, Brady was 230, Big Ben, Elway… I like my quarterbacks like my furniture – big and hard to move. Tua is not a hyper-athletic quarterback who wants to get faster. He’s not really that mobile, he’s not big, he doesn’t have a power arm,” Cowherd concluded. As the season approaches, the impact of Tagovailoa’s weight loss on his performance remains to be seen, adding an intriguing subplot to the Dolphins’ preparations.