Some of the most important people in Tua Tagovailoa’s life were seated inside the Mal Moore Athletic Facility on Monday – including his father, Galu Tagovailoa.
For a family that sacrificed and moved from Hawaii to Alabama, it was a bittersweet moment to watch the former five-star make his decision to declare for the NFL Draft.
Prior to the move, Tagovailoa was the most beloved players to ever come through the Alabama football program.
Just two years ago, he came off the bench to rescue the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship over Georgia.
He epitomized the “Alabama factor” on the field and in the community, making those who spent time with him very appreciative of the moment.
RELATED: Alabama AD Greg Byrne pays homage to Tua Tagovailoa
According to Simone Eli, a sports anchor for CBS 42, she and Galu Tagovailoa discussed the things that went into his son’s decision and what made it so difficult.
While the family is excited for Tagovailoa to take the next step, his father said that his son’s appreciation for Nick Saban made the decision very tough.
PART 1/3: “Making this decision was the toughest thing I’ve ever been a part of… I’ll be honest with you, #Alabama is a special place, a very special place, and mainly his relationship with Coach {Saban}”
– Galu Tagovailoa about Tua’s decision to enter the #NFLDraft @Tuaamann pic.twitter.com/DtsABydimv
— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) January 7, 2020
“Making this decision was the toughest thing I have ever been a part of,” Galu Tagovailoa said in terms of Tua Tagovailoa. “The most important thing was his relationship with Coach {Saban} and I mean he loved Coach… And then his players and then staff there, they have been first class and not only with him but with every kid that’s there. It’s hard to leave. I’ll be honest with you, Alabama is a special place, a very special place and I think that’s what he struggled with.”
Tagovailoa said his son never wanted to let Coach Saban down.
“There were some things he wanted to accomplish with Coach {Saban} and other players there, but at the same time he felt like it was the right thing to do for him and his family,” Tagovailoa said of Tua’s decision.
His decision took a leap of faith, but hearing this should make Tide fans more grateful for Tua Tagovailoa.
Alabama had much of an impact on him as he did for it and supporters would not have it any other way. He had enlisted the help of doctors and spiritual leaders — prior to making his decision – and along with medical advice, the key statement to him was “follow your heart.”
Tagovailoa is headed for the NFL Draft and will have a chance to be very special.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
