The Miami Dolphins have made the decision to release QB Tua Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year.
After spending spending six NFL seasons with Miami, Tagovailoa expressed his gratitude to the Dolphins fans and team in a post on social media.
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“To the Miami Dolphins organization, my teammates, the front office and the incredible fans – Thank you for six unforgettable years,” Tagovailoa wrote on Instagram.
“From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world … Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”
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Tua Tagovailoa’s message to the Miami Dolphins organization and fans via Instagram: pic.twitter.com/HaemKxkRyF
— Big E (@ian693) March 9, 2026
Tua shows admiration to teammates and coaches
The former Alabama star also showed his appreciation for the relationships he built with his teammates and coaching staff during his time in South Florida.
“To my teammates and coaches, thank you for the battles, the brotherhood, and the standard of excellence we tried achieving every single day we step foot on that field,” Tagovailoa said.
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“The work we put in together, the wins we celebrated, and even the tough moments shaped me not just as a player, but as a man.”
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) takes the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Tagovailoa also spoke about his disappointment in falling short of giving Dolphins fans the experience of winning a Super Bowl.
“To the fans — your energy, loyalty, and passion meant everything … I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city,” he said.
“Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you.”
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) greets fans before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Miami drafted Tagovailoa in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and by releasing the 28 year old, they are set to take on a dead-cap hit of $99 million which is the most ever in history.
In 2023, Tagovailoa made the Pro Bowl after amassing a league-high 4,624 passing yards that year. However, he threw the second most interceptions in the NFL during the 2025 campaign with 15 INTs, as per nfl.com.
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