Led by former Alabama QB Taulia Tagovailoa, American Samoa hands Team USA first flag football loss in 14 years
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Many years ago, Taulia Tagovailoa made headlines when he committed to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tagovailoa is back in the headlines playing football at a different level in 2026.
Tagovailoa recently led the American Samoa flag football team to a 38-32 victory against Team USA. It’s the first loss for Team USA in 14 years.
Taulia Tagovailoa, Tua's younger brother, threw five TDs as American Samoa stunned Team USA 38-32 at the Flag Football World Championships 🇦🇸
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 14, 2026
It marked Team USA's first competitive loss since 2012. pic.twitter.com/qWwMnXKyBr
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The younger brother of Tua Tagovailoa, Taulia Tagovailoa signed with Alabama as part of the program’s 2019 recruiting class. The 2019 season would be the only season both brothers were members of the Crimson Tide. Taulia appeared in 5 games, logging 12 pass attempts with 9 completions for 100 yards and 1 touchdown.
Taulia Tagovailoa transferred to Maryland to play for Mike Locksley. The Tagovailoa family had plenty of familiarity with Locksley from his 3 seasons on Nick Saban‘s Alabama staff (2016-18).
Tagovailoa had a stellar career at Maryland. He ended his career with the Big Ten record for career passing yards with 11,256. Tagovailoa also holds numerous Maryland records, including career passing touchdowns, with 76.
Professionally, Tagovailoa has played in the Canadian Football League, Indoor Football League and United Football League. He was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
