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Recovering From Multiple Injuries, Tua Tagovailoa Surpasses NFL’s MVP Peyton Manning in Week 1

Published 09/13/2023, 2:41 AM EDT

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Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ megastar quarterback, is no stranger to adversity. His college glory days at Alabama crowned him the 2018 Offensive MVP, and with the aid of 2020, he became a top draft pick for the Dolphins. Yet destiny wasn’t usually his type; accidents sidelined him more than once.

As the 2023 NFL season kicked off, fans witnessed the unexpected. Amidst the most important sporting surprises, Tua emerges now not simply as the Dolphins’ mainstay but as a force, dominating the sphere in opposition to the Chargers. And the thrill? It’s everywhere—from the stands to social media. An NFL Instagram post pointed out just how epic this comeback is.

Tua Tagovailoa’s season-opening marvel

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The digital landscape buzzed with admiration as an Instagram post by the NFL and Miami Dolphins showcased Tua Tagovailoa’s remarkable Week 1 performance. Not only did he shine brightly on the “Most Pass Yards in Week 1” list, but he also earned the prestigious third position, leaving the legendary Peyton Manning in his wake. The caption read, “safe to say Tua’s performance yesterday was an all-time great”. But what makes this feat even more commendable is his recent history of injuries.

 

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While the season has just begun, Tagovailoa’s 466-yard, three-touchdown game against the Chargers is reminiscent of legendary performances. His stellar showing places him amongst football giants like Tom Brady and Dan Marino, especially when looking at the yardage metrics. Moreover, his track record includes some other incredible road wins, tying with football greats like Brady, Joe Montana, and Boomer Esiason.

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The tumultuous tide: Tua’s battle with injuries

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2022 for Tagovailoa wasn’t just about strategic plays and touchdowns. It was a year peppered with alarming injuries. While the Miami Dolphins’ Week 3 game against the Bills raised eyebrows with a supposed back injury, it was the events of Week 4 that truly sent shockwaves. During a “Thursday Night Football” match against the Bengals, Tagovailoa faced a brutal slam, leading to a concerning rigidity post-impact. His distress didn’t end there. In a Week 16 clash against the Packers, he endured his third concussion of the year.

These instances not only spotlight the sheer physical strain of the sport but also underline Tagovailoa’s unparalleled determination. Bouncing back from such traumatic experiences and then delivering a performance par excellence speaks volumes of his grit and commitment.

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As the dust settles on Week 1 of the NFL 2023 season, Tagovailoa’s narrative stands out not merely for records but for encapsulating the spirit of sportsmanship. Through his story, we learn that true champions aren’t just defined by victories but by their journey, their battles, and their unyielding spirit.

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Written by:

Vasudha Mudgal

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Vasudha Mudgal is an NFL Author at EssentiallySports with a passion and deep understanding of the sport. She is pursuing her second post-graduation from a premier institute, and with a rich background in teaching, Mudgal brings a unique perspective to her writing. Apart from football, Mudgal indulges in her lifelong love for basketball.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe