The Miami Dolphins managed to ensure their long-term future under center by taking Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. As a result, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick finds himself in a rather precarious position heading into the 2020 NFL season.
According to Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Fitzpatrick admits that while he plans to be Tagovailoa's most staunch supporter, he fully intends on competing as the starter for as long as possible:
“I’m excited. I’m excited that they drafted him,” Fitzpatrick said of Tagovailoa. “I’m excited because I watched him play at Alabama and he looks like he’s a pretty dynamic talent. Just in meeting him a few times, he seems like an unbelievable kid with a great head on his shoulders. He says the right things, wants to do the right things.
“So, for me, I’m his biggest cheerleader right now, but I also want to be out there playing,” Fitzpatrick added.
Fitzpatrick added that despite the competition, he still plans on taking Tagovailoa under his wing with the Dolphins by assisting with his development in any he can.
“I also want to be on the field, and that’s why I’m still doing it is because I still enjoy playing the game. Hopefully some of the lessons I’m able to teach him are him watching me play if, but if it’s the other way around I’m going to do my best to help him succeed the best way he can.”
“I am here. Again, zero ego. I have so much knowledge. I’ve made so many mistakes in this league in terms of dumb decisions and throws. I’ve learned how to prepare. I’ve learned so much about offenses and defenses, and the way guys operate.”
“Ask questions. I’m an open book. Ask me whatever you want,” Fitzpatrick added
It is encouraging to see that Fitzpatrick has already embraced the mentorship role for Tagovailoa. Although he still has every intention of leading the Dolphins under center, he does not plan on giving the rookie the cold shoulder to discourage his progression.
Fortunately, Fitzpatrick is navigating through rather familiar territory serving as the bridge quarterback for a potential franchise cornerstone. The veteran has taken on such a role on numerous occasions throughout his career, most recently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while competing with then-quarterback Jameis Winston for the starting job.
Tagovailoa will be given the opportunity to take over the offense at some point in the near future, however, it is safe to say that Fitzpatrick is not going to make it easy for him. After all, he will be carrying plenty of momentum from the resurgence he helped lead down the stretch of the 2019 campaign with the Dolphins, and head coach Brian Flores proved that he is going to prioritize staying competitive amid the ongoing rebuild.
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