Tua Tagovailoa had a very tough season in 2022, but he definitely hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
During a hilarious exchange with reporters Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins quarterback gave the media a quick pop quiz. Could they recite back a typical play call he might make in the huddle?
“I can give you guys a play, and then if you want to repeat it after me as if you guys are in the huddle, you can,” Tagovailoa challenged.
“Should I go once or twice saying it?” the QB asked.
Tagovailoa then launched into the play call.
“All right, we got North Right Clamp South Fox H Top Pass 38 Top Gumby XP Sweat, let’s go,” Tagovailoa said (via Mike Cugno of Miami’s CBS 4).
He then challenged the media: “Anyone?”
Football is hard 😅. Listen to Tua test the media on reciting back a simple play. (📸 Miami Dolphins) pic.twitter.com/Yf6YO8iK9Z
— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) August 16, 2023
Several reporters noted their confusion, with one joking it sounded like a false start waiting to happen.
Tagovailoa laughed.
“Yeah, sounds like a pre-snap penalty to me, oh my gosh,” he said.
Tagovailoa’s challenge outlined the complexity of the modern NFL playbook, which is usually at least 100 pages with hundreds of plays. Former NFL head coach and broadcaster Jon Gruden told the Los Angeles Times he would have anywhere from 90 to 120 different plays available for each game.
It’s great seeing Tagovailoa in such high spirits. The former Alabama star suffered at least two concussions last season and missed four games, but he’s been given full clearance this year.
Many NFL fans found the incident hilarious, but some Dolphins fans thought it pointed out a problem.
Tua 1 …. Media 0
— Djalia Crypto⚡️⚡️⚡️ (@djalia_crypto) August 17, 2023
And THIS is why we had so many Delay of Game penalties. Shorten the hook — a solid 5-7 seconds spent spewing the play call.
— Thomas (@nashmax73) August 16, 2023
He was on the cusp last year when he was healthy. I just hope he can stay healthy for a full season.
— Christopher Negrón 🇵🇷 (@chrisnegron) August 17, 2023
This clip just proves it takes a hell of a overall person to be a starting
Quarterback in the #NFL.— Sour82 (@Sour8224) August 16, 2023
Damn, I wouldn’t remember one play. I forget my groceries list.
— Bob. (@RDJ42994579) August 16, 2023
No wonder Kyler Murray and Manziel said Fxck It to learning the playbooks. Impossible for many.
— sports@3pm (@sports3pm) August 17, 2023
i love the gotcha look on his face like we have sympathy for how hard his job is, we dont care.
— Boofy (@BoofyMagic) August 16, 2023
