The jiu-jitsu training has been working for Tua Tagovailoa to prevent injuries.
After suffering multiple concussions in 2022, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins took up judo and jiu-jitsu to help avoid further head and neck injuries. The training is supposed to help Tagovailoa learn how to slide and protect himself from hits.
RELATED: Mike McDaniel equates Tua Tagovailoa’s growth to learning a foreign language and now “owns the language”
Mike McDaniel, the head coach of the Dolphins, has been pleased with the results so far. He told reporters at training camp that Tagovailoa was stepped on and fell backwards during an OTA period. His jiu-jitsu training allowed him to complete a summersault backwards to avoid an injury. McDaniel thought it was ‘pretty sweet’ that his quarterback could do that.
Mike McDaniel said in an OTA Tua Tagovailoa was stepped on and fell backwards.
Having completed jiu-jitsu training, “He completed a somersault backwards,” McDaniel said. “Pretty sweet.” pic.twitter.com/mEtd4oqmnE
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 31, 2023
Tagovailoa is taking the mixed martial arts work seriously, as he wants to stay healthy for a full season.
RELATED: Tua Tagovailoa is happy for Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert signing extensions, but he continues to work
Miami’s offense has a chance to be very special if he remains healthy.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
