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“It’s the best for all of us!” That’s Tyreek Hill talking about his Dolphins teammate and ‘brother,’ Tua Tagovailoa, snagging a whopping $212 million contract. Hill’s not just the best receiver on the field but off it too, always backing his QB. Now, he believes Tua earned every penny of that mega-deal.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

In an interview with the NFL Network, Hill talks about the importance of Tua’s contract. He said, “Anybody that truly knows Tua, his background and coaching history that he’s been through it hasn’t always been the most beautiful thing. And for him to sign this size of a contract is amazing for all of us.” This history with coaches that the Phins’ WR talks about is not a secret. Especially when it was the most covered topic on the internet back in 2022.

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The current head coach, Mike McDaniel, did not hold back when he went all in lending his support to Tua and highlighting how he was not treated right in the past. Mainly, implying that Brian Flores did not use the young QB well. During the post-match press conference, following the Dolphins’ 30-15 win over the Texans, on the 27th of November, McDaniel extended his remark for Tua, who went 22 of 36 for 299 yards and a touchdown in the game.

He said, “From my vantage point, I felt like he was put behind the 8-ball in a way. With basically his strengths, he couldn’t play to. And so if you’re not able to play to your strengths and your position, that one of the reasons you’ve gotten there is you’re an unbelievable point guard, I felt, how could he, with all the things going on?” Sounds like McDaniel is calling a blitz on the previous regime!

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Now, let’s see what McDaniels was hinting at. Since Tua was drafted 5th overall by the Dolphins in 2020, he’s been stuck in the pocket. Surprising, considering his college days when he was a dynamo. Tagovailoa led Alabama to a national championship as a freshman and a runner-up finish as a sophomore. The reason for getting sacked? If you’re part of Fins Nation, you might point fingers at the system, just as McDaniels did. And there’s a fair point. Brian Flores couldn’t deliver what Tua needed, starting with the team’s botched pursuit of Deshaun Watson before the 2021 trade deadline.

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The offense didn’t play to Tagovailoa’s strengths, and it was as obvious as a fumbled snap. When Tua struggled, Flores would bench him for Ryan Fitzpatrick late in nail-biters. Talk about a rough two-minute drill! This gave everyone the impression that Flores didn’t have faith in Tua. But Miami’s GM Chris Grier and owner Stephen Ross had his back. They fired Flores after some sideline skirmishes and brought in Mike McDaniel. And the rest is right in front of our eyes.

The stats tell the same story. Tua’s numbers are climbing faster than a wide receiver on a go route.

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2020-2021
(under Brian Flores)
65.9% (avg)4,4672715
2023
(under Mike McDaniel)
69.3%4,6242914

In full honesty, switching to Coach McDaniel has the game for Tua altogether. This is where Hill’s support for Tua stems from. He could not hold back and sympathized with Tua’s past, considering how electrifying he was in the 2023 season. And that too playing full season for the first time in his career.

However, Hill’s appreciation did not stop there as he revealed a really interesting story about his trade to the Dolphins.

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Tua Tagovailoa’s clips pushed Tyreek Hill to join the Dolphins

Tyreek Hill can’t stop singing Tua Tagovailoa’s praises. They’ve only shared the field for two seasons, but Hill’s got a highlight reel of reasons why Tua deserves that big contract. And why not? Tyreek joined the Dolphins in 2022 and has since racked up 213 catches, 3,207 yards, and 21 touchdowns in 29 games with Tua. It’s like watching a game-winning drive—you just can’t look away! And now, Hill’s got a touchdown tale to share with the football world.

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In the interview, he said, “Tua was, like, one of those guys who popped up whenever we watched other quarterbacks of the league when I played for the Chiefs. And I was like, ‘This left-handed dude is special, dude’.” He added that this was why he chose Miami—to play alongside who he believes is a “special guy.” Hill’s unwavering support for Tua proves that being a top receiver isn’t just about catching passes but also backing your QB, rain or shine.

With Tua’s contract secured, it’s game time for the Dolphins to convert those dollars into touchdowns. The team is rallying behind their quarterback, setting him up for success. Tua has turned doubts into a big contract, like a Hail Mary that lands a touchdown.

With his squad backing him, he’s ready to lead the offense. Do you think Tua can guide the Dolphins to glory next season? Let us know.

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Syed Talib Haider

1,219 Articles

Syed Talib Haider is the NFL Editor at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience as a sports beat reporter. He began his journey at the outlet covering the NFL, steadily building a strong readership for his in-depth reporting on major events, most notably as a senior writer during Super Bowl LIX, where his coverage helped capture the immediacy and drama of the game. His work during that season led to his promotion to the editorial desk, where he now oversees NFL coverage and guides the outlet’s strategy.

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Cristin Varghese

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