Miami Dolphins quarterback of the future Tua Tagovailoa is often pitted up against veteran QB in Ryan Fitzpatrick. After all, the #5 overall pick in the 2020 draft could quite possibly be blocked from starting right out of the gate by Fitzpatrick.

Most people would expect some possible animosity between the two, or at least a little friction. But as Tagovailoa shared to a meeting room full of reporters, he has nothing but love for his elder statesman counterpart.

“To start it off with Fitz, very, very down-to-earth person, very humble,” Tagovailoa said. “To be a professional like that is mind-boggling how down-to-earth he is. This guy just gets it. I don't know what it is. He just gets it.

“That saying goes true. It says if you want to get somewhere fast, you go alone, and if you want to go somewhere with purpose, you bring people with you. I think Fitz has done a tremendous job of trying to shape and mold me, and Josh [Rosen] as well. It's been pretty cool to go through that process with him.”

It would be hard not to take Tagovailoa's word for it, considering his get-up for that day. The rookie entered the room rocking a Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 jersey after all. It also helps that there's a clear understanding from both sides that one is the future, and one is the mentor.

Article Continues Below
More Miami Dolphins News
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) practices during mandatory minicamp at Hard Rock Stadium.
Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill takes aim at Bills again with NSFW jabBenedetto Vitale ·
image thumbnail
Tyreek Hill’s surprising stance on Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey trade rumorsOwen Crisafulli ·
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
NFL rumors: Jaire Alexander considered Falcons, Dolphins before Ravens dealJaren Kawada ·
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) looks on during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex.
Adam Schefter puts timetable on Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey tradeGuillermo Guajardo ·
dolphins, miami dolphins minicamp
3 hottest Miami Dolphins takes coming out of 2025 minicampGarrett Kerman ·
Noah Lyles in track gear and Tyreek Hill in a Dolphins jersey.
Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill’s race with Noah Lyles canceled due to ‘personal reasons’Guillermo Guajardo ·

Last month, Fitzpatrick was quoted as saying he knows he's just a placeholder for the young star.

“I don't know how much time it will be before Tua will be in the lineup. I know that I am the placeholder. We've already had that conversation,” Fitzpatrick said. “I've told him, ‘I'm going to do the best I can to lead this team and win football games when I'm out there.' Whenever it is that Tua gets his chance whether it's early or late or whenever, I'm going to be his biggest cheerleader.”

Sounds like the perfect relationship has brewed between the two quarterbacks. Tua Tagovailoa will learn the tricks of the trade from a quarterback with 15 years of NFL experience under his belt. Dolphins fans should be nothing short of ecstatic for their future at the position.