Tua Tagovailoa Shares Gut-Wrenching Goodbye to Dolphins Fans After Being Released
After six seasons in Miami, Tua Tagovailoa is being released, and his googbye message is one of the more heartfelt notes we've seen.
The Miami Dolphins announced Monday morning that they are releasing their franchise quarterback, a move that will go down as one of the most expensive in NFL history. The decision comes less than two years after Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension that made him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Releasing him will accelerate $99.2 million in dead money onto the Dolphins' salary cap, surpassing the previous record of $85 million the Denver Broncos absorbed when they released Russell Wilson in 2024.
Shortly after the announcement, Tagovailoa posted a farewell message to his Instagram account that was equal parts gracious and heartbreaking.
Tua's Tearful Goodbye
"To the Miami Dolphins organization, my teammates, the front office and the incredible fans — thank you for six unforgettable years," he wrote. "Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life."
He spoke about what Miami meant to him beyond football. "I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world," he wrote. "I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up."
His message to the fans was the most emotional passage. "Your energy, loyalty, and passion meant everything," he wrote. "You lifted me up in the biggest moments and stood by me through the challenging ones. I also carry deep regret that I couldn't get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I'll always wish I could have delivered it for you."
He closed with his faith — and a final sign-off that hit hard for anyone who followed his career. "Most importantly, I thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for guiding my path, strengthening my faith, and carrying me through every high and low. Through all my injuries I am still able to play the game I've loved since a kid." Then, simply: "UNO out."
Tagovailoa finishes his Dolphins career with a 44-32 record, 18,166 passing yards, 120 touchdowns, 59 interceptions, and the best passer rating in franchise history at 96.4. He led the NFL in passing yards in 2023, completion percentage in 2024, and earned a Pro Bowl selection along the way. But concussions, injuries, and declining play ultimately led to him being benched for the final three games of the 2025 season, sealing his fate with the new regime.
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to pursue Tagovailoa in free agency. The Dolphins, meanwhile, will move forward with Quinn Ewers under center as they rebuild.