What Tua taught us
Please allow me to take off my sportswriter’s hat for just a moment and admit something.
Tua Tagovailoa is my favorite college football player — ever.
I am a 42-year-old man with a wife and a son, but I have a kid-like fascination with a young man 20 years my junior who wears No. 13 for the Alabama Crimson Tide, dances in traditional Samoan garb and buries rainbows into the breadbaskets of streaking receivers.
You have to admit: There’s something special about Tua Tagovailoa.
Even his name — Tua — evokes a caramel-like smoothness. I suppose things might be different if his name were Mike Tagovailoa or Peter Tagovailoa. But it’s not. It’s Tua.
Say it a few times and see how easily and effortlessly it rolls off your tongue.
Tua.
Tua.
Tooo … ahhh.
Feels good, doesn’t it? It’s almost like that refreshing feeling after you’ve popped the top and taken a swig off a bottled Coke that’s been dug out of an icy barrel in a hundred-year-old mom-and-pop gas station on a hot summer’s day.
I don’t know Tua Tagovailoa personally, but I feel like I do. I feel like if I ever got a chance to meet him, we’d probably be boys.
What is it about him that so enamors us?
First, I think, he was the quarterback Alabama had been praying for for decades. Even though Tuscaloosa had once been the home of Joe Namath and Ken Stabler, for years, it had become a venue for a series of “game managers” who occupied the quarterback slot (and performed well) but did not exhibit total mastery over it. Enter Tua, who blew away even the hardiest of expectations for a Bama QB.
Wait, Alabama has a quarterback projected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft? Unheard of!
Second, it was the way he began. Bama’s love affair with Tua began the moment he trotted out on the field and led the Tide to an improbable comeback against Georgia in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta, capped off by a 2nd-and-26 for the ages.
In one half, he turned a freight train that had lost a bit of steam into a F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Fans loved Tua immensely from the start because they knew he saved them. In his postgame comments, however, he wanted the world to know who saved him.
Third, it was because Tua did things Alabama had never seen before. While others played chops, Tua played Mozart. While others were paint by number, Tua was Picasso. In a world of averageness, he was a gridiron virtuoso. He was Steph Curry on the football field.
Over time, perhaps Alabama nation got a bit too comfortable with him. That sort of thing happens when you throw, you know, 87 career touchdowns in less than 2 full seasons. He was so skilled at passing that the spectacular became almost humdrum. Four TDs and 300 yards passing? Just another day at the office.
It’s not that Tua the Magnificent’s act grew stale — no, not at all. It’s just that we became so desensitized that at times we forgot to appreciate what we were witnessing.
I was talking to a buddy at the gym and he put it best. Even in the NFL, you see quarterbacks overthrow or underthrow receivers on the deep ball. But Tua’s deep ball accuracy was almost impeccable. We became so used to Tua hitting Jeudy, Ruggs, DeVonta in stride that it just became old hat.
So for just a moment, let’s savor the whole meal:
- Tua has thrown for at least 300 yards on 10 occasions
- Tua has thrown for 400 yards on 3 occasions, all this season
- Seven times, Tua has thrown for 2 touchdowns in a game; 5 times, he’s thrown for 3 touchdowns; 8 times, he’s thrown for 4 touchdowns; 3 times, he’s thrown for 5 touchdowns, and once, he’s thrown for 6 touchdowns, a school record. (Repeat: Tua threw for 6 touchdowns in one game. No offense to former Alabama quarterback Jay Barker, but in 1992, Barker threw for 7 touchdowns — the whole season.)
- Tua had back-to-back 5-touchdown games this season on Sept. 14 (South Carolina) and Sept. 21 (Southern Mississippi)
- And he has that King Cobra effect, consistently demonstrating the propensity to strike from almost anywhere. Example: Tua’s played in 24 games in the past 2 seasons. In 3 of those games, Tua’s longest passing play was over 80 yards. In 5 games, his longest passing play was 70-79 yards. In 2 games, his longest passing play was 60-69 yards, and in 4 games, his longest passing play was 50-59 yards. Which means that it’s more likely than not that Tua is going to make a throw for 50-plus yards.
But it wasn’t necessarily about the stats. Tua put flesh and bone on the game. We were interested in him as a person. We wanted to follow his life. We became voyeurs into the Tagovailoa family and their unique heritage. We watched his father get baptized and cheered when his little brother followed big brother’s footsteps. In some ways, we felt a part of the Tuamann narrative.
His humility and faith challenged us in some way, made us look deep within our own selves, caused us to journey inward. We admired his warrior-like attitude, his full-fervor attacking of life. The way he honored his parents and his coaches. How his teammates were drawn to him.
We could see that he was working hard. We watched him on the Bama practice field, on a Sunday, in the rain, by himself, working on footwork drills.
We knew how badly he wanted to bring home another national championship, sacrificing his body for the sake of his team. And we wanted it for him, too.
We were saddened when he didn’t win the Heisman. We felt for him when he left it all on the field against Clemson — and lost. And we grimaced when we saw him in pain.
In the end, Tua reminded us of something important. If you ask any Alabama fan — from the service technician at a tire center in Muscadine to senior partner at a law firm in Birmingham — they’ll be able to tell you without hesitation how many national titles the school has won. That’s right, 17. Prior to the game this season, Tide fans would have easily been able to regurgitate how many times Alabama had beaten LSU in a row. That’s right, 8. And pretty much everyone would have easily been able to tell you how many national titles Nick Saban has won at Alabama. That’s right, 5.
But ask what insurance company former Bama quarterback Jake Coker works for and they may not be able to tell you right away. Ask “Whatever happened to former wide receiver Freddie Milons?” and they might not be able to tell you where Freddie is or what he’s doing.
Tua’s injury puts things in the right perspective. For just a moment, he reminded us that the health and future of this splendid young man — and any student-athlete for that matter — matters more than winning. That if you whittle college football down, it’s all about the lives of the young men who suit up on Saturdays in fall. It’s about the men they are, and are becoming.
In short, it’s all about the players.
Winning is great, and winning can give you bragging rights, but what college football affords is a training ground for life.
We are all interested in what happens to Tua, and believe that no matter how the road forks from here, he will be all right. God has a plan. Still there were some sad goodbyes, fans far and wide engaging in a somber lament that Tua has probably taken his last snap in a crimson uniform. But perhaps those goodbyes were a bit premature. I believe that he has as much chance of coming back to Alabama next year as he does declaring for the NFL Draft.
That said, I’ve tried my best for this piece not to sound like an obit (Tua strumming his ukulele in a hospital bed is evidence that he’s very much alive and taking it well), but when thinking about this whole situation, I’m reminded of a phrase in the movie The Shawshank Redemption. A wistful Red, played by Morgan Freeman, is reflecting on the loss of his friend, Andy Dufresne, when he offers these touching words: “I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone.”
If this is the end, if the Tua Tagovailoa era in Tuscaloosa is over, gosh, it was so much fun while it lasted.
What has Tua Tagovailoa taught us?
That just because you have setbacks in life doesn’t mean you should roll over and die.
That if you are going to do something, don’t do it halfway. Do it with all you’ve got.
That adversity and trouble are going to come, no matter how nice an individual you are.
That God causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
When life throws you lemons, you play the hell out of that ukulele.
And lastly, celebration may come from victory, but joy comes from the Lord.
He’s great player and appears to be a fine young man.
He has not, however, ever made me “journey inward”.
Good grief.
I’m mildly surprised this column did not begin, “Our Tua who art in Tuscaloosa, hallowed be thy name”.
Jealous.
Typical D-bag Gump….
^ Random LSU rage. Probably on second bottle of vodka before noon.
Jealous of what? A mercenary coach who will sacrifice the future of his own players?
Get real. All you Georgians know how to do is criticize.
And we also know after your cold and uncaring comment, just how low unsuccessful people can fall. Thank you for reminding us all how we are blessed not to be you.
Perfect commentary to lead it off. LMAO.
But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
It is the East, and Tua is the sun!
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou her opposing QB art far more fair than she.
Jealous
Typical D-bag Gump….
Jelly.
Jealous? Of what – your current QB situation? Not really bud. It doesn’t look good for the Bubbas.
Unfortunately it always looks like that but they come through. Not that Auburn has anything to brag about, but what about UGA’s QB situation?
At least bring some Shakespeare. Would “methinks the Bulldog doth protest too much” really be that hard?
Methinks thou mockest this upstart Crow, that thou think his writing to be like that which stinks but be not fish, fertilizes plants but be not compost.
First time I’ve seen the Barf quoted on SDS, never would have expected it to be Romeo and Juliet but it fits so dang well. Well Done.
Bard*
Your comment was good without the edit.
I understand the tendency to make fun of something or someone you don’t understand by why in this case?
I don’t know about all that. But I will say Tua is an exceptional player that I love to watch play. Hope his recovery goes well, and his career continues.
The absolute frothing at the mouth for a 20 year old football player by the media is the saddest thing I think I’ve seen since they glorified Tebow as some sort of sideline saint with his praying.
This article is, absolutely, the cringiest thing I’ve read this year about Tua.
Jealous
Typical D-bag Gump…
Jealous of what? Tua didn’t even sniff the Heisman and LSU’s QB is running away with it. I’d take Burrow over Tua any day of the week. At least Burrow can actually take a hit without breaking something.
Don’t get upset. Green with envy. If it is only about skill set and talent, Tua is still better. But it is about more than that. Everyone knows it but you dumb cajuns.
For the record, Tua was second in Heisman balloting last year.
Had Tua been 100% and not got hurt, Burrow would be 2nd. Tua would be bringing another one home. When is the last time LSU brought one home? Maybe this year, but you must realize it isn’t because he was better or earned it, but because the better man got hurt.
That’s going too far, Rolltide. Just because Tua plays for Bama does not make him the better man. Burrow had to deal with a lot of adversity. I believe they’re both great. To say a healthy Tua would have won the Heisman isn’t necessarily true, either. All else being equal, whichever one won the Bama/LSU game would most likely be the favorie.
Yeah… it was a bit over the top. I do have to say, not to offend you, but Borrows really isn’t that good and I don’t understand the hype over him. most of it sounds quite a bit like this article on Tua, just so flowery. You know, as does everyone else, a QB like Tua comes a long once in a great while. We all appreciate one when we see one. Look at Lamar Jackson.. wow, Watson again wow and Tua is in that group, he’s one of those types of QB’s. Whats sad about Tua is he breaks SO EASY! I don’t know if he can make in as a pro due to his propensity to get injured. SMH… Anyway LSU can’t beat Clemson or OSU – of course neither can Bama this year. Mac is good but he’s just “good” not a super star like Tua and Bama’s defense for the last two years hasn’t gotten any better — it’s time to let Pete Golding go… Roll Tide and I’ll be happy if we just spank AU yet again.
If you don’t think Burrow is that good, that leads me to believe you haven’t been watching him play. Take a look. It’s good stuff.
Tua is a heck of a QB and he has his priorities in order. Nothing wrong with admiring that.
(Tua walks into police station)
I’d like to file a restraining order against a 42 year old stalker that keeps calling me Jesus and has a shrine of me in his basement…
All those yards, all of those touchdowns, and he rarely played the entire game. Kid will leave a legacy behind where legends are made.
“Where legends are made…” Typical Alabama delusional, inflated self worth bull$hit. MOST Bummer players are good in college but FLOP in the pros. Saban is ÷/- 65 years old and doesn’t have one grey hair. Is this pompous coach using Autumn Blush or the Chestnut Brown as his hair dye color?
Bama vs LSU. Who’s more storied. Who has more championships. Who has the lead in the series, by a LONG shot. Sit down boy.
You’re such a douche. Fans like you are the reason everyone hates Bama.
Bama is so good and stomps people is why you hate Bama. It has nothing to do with me. Believe me, This Team and Bama fans don’t give a sh!t if you support us. Go support your team.
It has everything to do with fans like you. Bama is out of the playoff and their season is over. As a result, you are projecting your own pathetic insecurities by writing moronic drivel like “jelly” under every post that does not immediately agree with your uninformed opinions. Growing up will be quite a process for you. Thank God you’re not my kid.
Until you have a run like Bama, until you are at the top, don’t lecture. Poor form man. Don’t be so angry. Ant the season isn’t over. They don’t play for you. They play for themselves. A minimum of 3 games left. Since when is being a fan and being proud of your team a bad thing. Bama fans could care less about your support. Piss off.
I’m sure your kid is at home wearing an army helmet in your basement playing video games. I troll to get rises out of dumb people like you. And you always bite. Weak minded. Just can’t stop yourself.
Like I said…you’re a douche
Intelligent retort.
Says the person who’s team has a #5 next their name….. Tua is a great talent, but he has a glass jaw. That’s what he’s taught me.
UGAFly and DaGherk, don’t assume you’re safely in the CFP. Lose to aTm or LSU and you’re out of CFP. Remember, you have a terrible loss to a 4-8 South Carolina team.
Dude, you’re slamming people who criticize you, the proceed to prove their point emphatically and repetitively. The fans of other teams don’t care enough about Bama to think all that crap you accuse them of. Get over yourself and move on.
You’re right Geaux Long- people loving the players they cheer for on Saturdays is down right weird. I mean, c’mon, actually liking the person and appreciating how they live outside of the stadium is so unheard of. We are far better off to follow your example and launch personal attacks against people we dont know- Tebow, Saban etc. because we hate how repeatedly they gave us the big fat “L” during the season.
DUDE- ITS A GAME. Try to enjoy it. I do. RTR.
LSU fans are still mad that their daddy went out for a pack of smokes and a scratch off ticket, and only comes back to slap them around once a year. Twice one year.
What one year was that? Your analogy left a lot to be desired. Every LSU fan is pretty happy right now. You might want to stick with cracking on Geaux Long.
I think Saban’s record speaks for itself against LSU. You guys are still mad Daddy only comes back just to slap y’all around. It’s a joke. Don’t be so sensitive.
And twice in 2012. I’m sure you remember. In the championship game, then in November. Still stings. I get it.
I understand you wanting to focus on the past because the present isn’t being too kind to you. That’s just funny. Keep trying if you like. We just laugh at that type of nonsense. 10-0. Good times.
Thank God we don’t have to rejoice in one year of relevancy.
Another idiotic comment. You guys are full of them now. I guess that loss put y’all over the edge. God forbid y’all let anyone enjoy their season without insecure Bama fans trying to rain on the parade. It’s not working and lots of people enjoy laughing at your insecurities. You wear them well.
Spare us your drugstore psychology. People who call out others are typical the most insecure. Like I said, enjoy your season. Next year, back to the whipping tree.
Almost lost to another unranked
Goddang, Al. This was pretty good. I pray Mac doesn’t come close to playing as well as Tua when he faces us.
Tua…..great player, better person but what he taught us is Tua bad ankles is worse than one.
And that he can outrun your entire defense in your own stadium wearing a gigantic knee brace on the way to a shut out.
More last year talk. I guess that’s all Bama fans have now. Enjoy reminiscing.
We have a history to be very proud of. That every other program is chasing. Yep, it is tough being a Bama fan.
Is that the Alabama education at work? No one can chase history as that’s the past. It’s all about the now and the future. Your now is toast so you need to remind yourself of glory days to feel better about yourself. It’s college football. You shouldn’t base your existence on a bunch of kids playing a game. It’s supposed to be fun, insecurities aside.
LOL..the comments are so much better than the creepy stalking from Al. I wonder if job, home, and money were worth the stalking his family has to deal with?
Tua’s family lives in a two bedroom apartment in Alabaster. I’ve never heard a dumber pay for play allegation in my life.
So is there a beginning housing tier that constitutes pay for play? A three bedroom as opposed to a two?
You mention nothing of a job and money.
I agree with everything Al said. I’ve cheered for one game manager QB after another but watching Tua has brought me joy like no other player has at any position. And he’s an even better person.
After I had been hurt, Tua taught me that it was okay to love again.
Ok- I like the article and what it says- but you have me crying I am laughing so hard. Thanks.
Yeah, the article was a bit different from the title, which made me convinced I could fly higher then an eagle if Tua was the wind beneath my wings etc etc.
Tua taught me that you are super gay for Tua
Good grief. Very creepy.
God please bring us a game…we are desperate for an actual game. I can’t stand another Tua story. Hope he gets well and is drafted high, but I’m just sick of the Tua injury story.
Welcome to the oversaturated sports journalism world.
He painted over the decline of the Saban dynasty which is now in evident collpase. They are just barely favored against a three loss team is a further proof. That two teams form the SEC may well be in the cfp and neither is named Alabama.
Evident collapse? That’s an odd take.
I didn’t read a word of the article. The only thing that I learned from Tua is that don’t trust Nick Saban with your future professional career. Nick will sell it out for another chance at a NC.
WarEagle342, Bama has. 5* QB dual threat (Bryce Young) from California next year. He WILL be better than Bo Nix (Pix) and we all know that Gus is a QB killer.
If Gus is still at Auburn next year, he’ll be looking for another developed transfer QB. Newton, Marshall and Stidham for example and he tried to get Kelly Bryant before Missouri scooped him up.
Nick saben cares nothing about Tua… He gets paid to win Championships and Toe Jamb gives him the best chance. That’s his MO .. Why would you backwards inbreds care about toe jamb? Next man up!,,,
This article is Gross. Sickening gross.
Al…….you need to check your self…sick infatuation…Does Tua need to post lookout?
He only gave college football fans less of a reason to watch Alabama play than they already had.. Nobody cares about Alabama, other than Alabama and the media.. let’s move on..
Agree with the author that Tua’s an incredible talent who seems to be a great kid and that the college football world will miss seeing him play every Saturday.
The article get a little creepy with the cheek-tongue-lick of “Too-Ahhh”.
Maybe let’s stick to football????
Ugh sick of hearing about him, and pretty sure College Football will move on to next star player of the moment.
Al, your article was very well written and a great tribute to a young man who embodies the heart and soul of college football. As a lifelong Alabama fan and NCAA fan, I can’t even begin to recall the countless great times that Game Day has made for me and countless millions. Tua is a legend for the Crimson Tide and we love our team. Your sentiments are those shared by all true Alabama fans. RTR!!! (and dude, just disregard the haters – they’re irrelevant).
Tua has been over rated all along. He has thrown some very, very good passes…..He has had the best group of receiver’s and open field runners that Ala has ever had, at least in my memory. Yardage after catch, and fantastic catches were not his fault, and he has humility enough to know it. Hurts is still out there playing, and has rushed for over a thousand yards, with the receivers Tua had,and his much improved passing game, he was the one to start,,,and he doesn’t break as easily. I hope his little brother isn’t as fragile.
Tua is a fine young man, and a wonderful Q back. What he reminded me of was an old time rule of thumb,,,,don’t put all of your eggs in one basket ( especially a fragile basket ) Another old time SEC adage was,,’ run the ball ‘. One of mine is don’t pay any attention much to UGA fans that enjoy choking on their own B S, no matter who is their head coach…