By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 09:52 EST, 17 November 2025 | Updated: 09:58 EST, 17 November 2025
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa caused a stir at the weekend after calling for the NFL to host its next international series in Jerusalem.
A number of NFL games take place in various overseas location each season, with Tagovailoa and the Dolphins earning a 16-13 win over the Washington Commanders in Spain on Sunday.
It was the seventh international fixture of the 2025 campaign following other matchups in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Brazil. Next year, the Los Angeles Rams will also compete in the first ever NFL game in Australia.
When asked in his postgame press conference where he would like to play next, Tagovailoa initially mentioned Hawaii, his home state, as a personal preference.
However, he then added: 'In Europe? Shoot, it would be pretty cool to go play in Jerusalem, I don't know. That would be sick.'
Given the violent conflict that has engulfed Israel in recent years - as well as the fact it is in Asia rather than Europe - the Dolphins star's suggestion to stage a game in its capital city sparked outrage on social media, with many pointing out that it wouldn't be appropriate anytime soon.
Tua Tagovailoa caused a stir by calling for the NFL to host an international series in Jerusalem
Tagovailoa's comments sparked fury given the violent conflict that has engulfed Israel of late
Tagovailoa was heavily criticized for his comments by a number of users on X, including former Miami wide receiver Kenny Stills.
Stills quoted a clip of his press conference and brutally concluded: 'Lacks awareness in all areas of his life'.
Several fans agreed with the ex-Dolphins player, including one who said: 'They gotta stop letting this man up to the podium'.
'Who's gonna tell bro that land is war torn,' wrote another.
'He has no idea what’s going on in Jerusalem right now. He thinks Jesus still lives there,' posted a third.
While one simply put: 'Oh my god bruh'.
Although it will almost certainly not be Jerusalem, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that Asia is the next international location on their hit list after the Australia series in 2026.
'I think our next step after Australia would be probably moving into Asia,' Goodell said in September. 'That's a continent we'd like to be playing in. We are serious about being a global sport. We would like to get to 16 games so everyone is playing one game a year internationally.'