Tua Tagovailoa is impressing everyone after he showed off his Jiu-Jistu skills on the gridiron in his preseason game against the Jaguars. Not only did he look more athletic falling down, he even used his momentum to evade another injury. It came as a big surprise for many since Tua had a similar fall last year against the Bills which resulted in an unfortunate concussion.
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Tua shocked his fans this offseason after he was reported to be taking Jiu-Jitsu lessons. Many took that as a joke but the report was later known to be factually correct and that the Dolphins star was in fact learning how to fall properly using Jiu-Jitsu and reduce his chances of getting injured. This was pretty evident in his last preseason game.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Jiu-Jitsu Lessons are Paying Off
Tua Tagovailoa’s 2022 season was a complete disaster after his inability to fall properly resulted in him getting concussed twice. Even though the Phins clinched the playoff berth, they couldn’t manage to get past the Bills in the Wild Card Round in which Tua wasn’t playing. However, after watching Tagovailoa’s preseason performance, it could be said that the fans are much hyped to see the bulkier and more athletic Tua don the Dolphins uniform once again.
It looks like that jiu-jitsu training is working for Tua Tagovailoa #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nf0RS3DBt6
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 28, 2023
Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa proving that offseason jiu-jitsu training is already paying off on the field https://t.co/G6TAvZqmF1 pic.twitter.com/HQ3n8EfAGw
— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) August 28, 2023
A lot of people made fun as they claimed that Jui-Jitsu wouldn’t do anything. Hopefully this is a sign that it was the right call. If it keeps him on the field he better stick with it for at least the rest of his career. https://t.co/VLoEIIumqh
— Darryl (@VinceDies) August 29, 2023
The concept of someone “learning to fall” sounds goofy and plenty of jokes were made. That’s fine. I’m just happy to see it working and that’s all that matters. https://t.co/WeSNmPVkRH
— Vito- (0-0) (@FinsFan2992) August 28, 2023
Even Pat McAfee, on his show, mentioned how different Tua’s form looks this season which is a great sign for the team since the much-talented lefty QB will now be less prone to injuries. “Now he’s rolling AJ, looking like an athlete over there. That’s what Jiu-Jitsu is doing,” McAfee said referring to Tua Tagovailoa rolling back and springing back up after taking a hit.
McAfee and AJ Hawk, in a recent segment, even went on to discuss how Tagovailoa is using his own body’s momentum to roll over and then pop up. It certainly looks like the talented QB has made huge progress this offseason, since he suffered a concussion on a similar hit last season.
Tua Tagovailoa Looks Ready for 2023, After Injury-Laden Season
Tua Tagovailoa took a big hit during his Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills last season. His fall was so disastrous that he ended up smashing his head to the ground which caused him a concussion. The hit caused a massive controversy and Tua had to continue his season with a prevailing injury. He took another hit which made things worse for the QB and Dolphins’ management.
Here's a side by side of a hit Tua Tagovailoa took yesterday (left) and a similar hit he took during Week Two of last season vs. the Buffalo Bills (right).
The difference in control and momentum is staggering. Great work from him and his team. https://t.co/KAtcx7bOnH pic.twitter.com/wvxefaF0HV
— Tyler DeSena (@DeSenaSports) August 28, 2023
Back to 2023, in his last preseason game against the Jaguars, Tua took a similar hit to his torso, but he easily managed to avoid an injury using his Jiu-Jitsu technique. That said, the Dolphins are in a great spot to make a successful playoff run this time and fans are excited about it.
