Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa has been named as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 off-the-field honors by the Professional Football Writers of America, highlighting his resilient performance despite challenges.
The quarterback is in the running for the George Halas Award, which is bestowed upon the NFL personage who best exemplifies success in the face of adversity, whether they be a player, coach, or staff member. Tagovailoa’s competition for the accolade includes New York Jets’ veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, renowned for his notable midseason return the previous year, and Houston Texans receiver Jon Metchie III, who is aiming for a comeback after a significant health battle with a form of leukemia in 2022.
Celebrating a remarkable 2023 season where he led the league in passing yards, Tagovailoa’s nomination comes on the back of a challenging phase in his career. The preceding year saw him constrained to just 13 appearances due to two instances of concussion protocol assessments, spurring considerations of early retirement during the offseason.
In addition, the Dolphins have representation among finalists in other award categories too. Former Dolphins offensive line coach Larry Beightol is in contention for the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award, a nod to his lasting contributions to coaching within the league.
Moreover, Troy Vincent, a Dolphins alum who now serves as NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations, has been recognized as a finalist for the Horrigan Award. This distinction is aimed at individuals within the league or associated entities who exhibit exceptional cooperation and professionalism in aiding the endeavors of professional football writers.
Rounding out the nominations is the Dolphins media relations staff. They find themselves among the finalists for the Pete Rozelle Award, which honors the NFL club public relations staff that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence in its media interactions. The team has a history with this award, having secured the honor twice, the last occasion being in 1999, and this year marks their 11th finalist nomination.
These nominations underscore the strong influence and respect the Miami Dolphins command both on and off the field, epitomizing dedication, resilience, and professional excellence within the NFL community.