MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said he isn’t sure how he ended up on President Donald Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, but called it an honor.
The program, which was created in 1966, had children run and perform situps, pullups or pushups and a sit-and-reach test. It changed in 2012 during the Obama administration to focus more on individual health than athletic feats.
The president “wants to ensure America’s future generations are strong, healthy, and successful,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last week, and that all young Americans “have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come.”
Trump recently revealed that Tagovailoa is one of 20 members named to the council. Others include Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Following practice on Wednesday, Tagovailoa was asked about the appointment.
“I think it’s pretty cool. It’s an honor,” he said. “I would say I don’t know too much about it, but again, I think that’s an honor.”
When asked about the way Trump pronounced his name, Tagovailoa didn’t seem to mind.
“I don’t think he’s had the worst,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve heard a couple worse in Alabama, but it is what it is. I don’t take that to heart. It is what it is. ‘He’s a great guy, phenomenal guy, just got to stay healthy.’ All of that. I like it, I enjoyed it.”
Tagovailoa admitted he didn’t know how the nomination came about.
“I should ask you that question, too, brother. How did that all develop? I’m not too sure,” he said.
As the Dolphins continue training camp, Tagovailoa shared his thoughts on the joint practices with the Chicago Bears.
“I think that’s what you want to see in a team practice. Going back and forth,” he said. “From the offensive perspective, I felt today the defense had the best of us … but I would say that’s what you want. That’s what you want to see.”
He added that the team is looking forward to facing a new opponent.
“We’re pretty excited,” Tagovailoa said. “Our defense is pretty excited as well. We have a lot of chirping going on back and forth … I know those guys are hungry to see the ball more because I for sure wasn’t letting them see the ball a lot this training camp.”
The Dolphins will spend the next 11 nights together, something Tagovailoa believes will be important for team chemistry.
“I think that’s really going to be cool,” he said. “We’ve got some things lined up … to go out there and find some time to spend with each other whether that’s eating, whether that’s going and seeing a movie, whatever that looks like.”
Tagovailoa praised his offensive line’s development, though acknowledged there’s still work to do.
“I think they’ve done a good job,” he said. “Now there’s going to be things that we’ve still got to lean in on… But I think they’ve done a phenomenal job up to this point.”
He also highlighted the value of joint practices.
“I think they’re really cool because they give you a different perspective,” he said. “It’s just different looks and different ways and how they present them.”
Entering his sixth year in the NFL, Tagovailoa reflected on how much he’s grown.
“I feel like these six years in the NFL have been in dog years – a lot of ups and downs but a lot of growth,” he said. “You become more grateful for the things you have and where you are and who you become.”
Tagovailoa also commented on wide receiver Malik Washington earning the orange jersey at practice – a recognition for standout performers.
“That was solid. I’m happy that Malik got to get the orange jersey. Now the playlist, I don’t know about the playlist now,” he said, laughing.
As for quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers, Tagovailoa said he’s eager to see how they perform in the preseason opener.
“I’m excited for them,” he said. “They’re working really hard – competing. I think they’re doing a great job and we’re really excited to see what those guys can do for us on Sunday.”
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