Former NFL star quarterback Michael Vick had some words of advice for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ahead of the 2023 season.
Vick, a left-handed thrower himself, shared what he thinks Tagovailoa needs to do to avoid getting knocked around.
“I just think he’s got to bulk up a little bit,” Vick said. “Get a little bit bigger. Get stronger. As you grow into your man body, that’s what needs to happen. Ain’t nothing wrong with picking up another 10 pounds, 15 pounds. … Don’t get hit. Don’t get knocked around.”
The 2022 season was a tough one for Tagovailoa on the injury front as the Dolphins quarterback suffered two confirmed concussions. The second one – which occurred in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers – ended Tagovailoa’s season.
In turn, the Dolphins were forced to play third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson in the team’s lone playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
Still, Tagovailoa played the best football of his NFL career last season, partly because of the addition of Tyreek Hill to Miami’s offense. Tagovailoa threw for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games during the regular season.
The former first-round pick also led the NFL in yards gained per pass attempt and yards gained per pass completion.
He could have even more weapons in the 2023 season with the team drafting running back De’Von Achane and rumored to be interested in veteran running back Dalvin Cook.
Vick praised Tagovailoa’s passing ability, saying he throws a “real catchable ball.”
“I ain’t gonna say the most accurate, I’m just saying like his ball — he throw a catchable ball,” Vick said. “He throw a real catchable ball. If you watch what he did in college…every ball was on the money. Soft, right where the receiver [was], in stride.”
Vick certainly knows a thing or two about taking hits, as he is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in NFL history. The former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles star had to learn how to protect himself from hits the same way Tagovailoa will need to in the 2023 season and beyond.
It’s important that Tagovailoa keeps himself healthy, especially since head injuries could lead to permanent damage for him long after his career in football.
The Dolphins are hoping that their franchise quarterback can stay upright in the 2023 season and lead them back to the postseason.
