Selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft from Alabama, Tagovailoa anchored the Dolphins for six seasons, amassing 18,166 passing yards and 120 touchdowns, including a stellar 2023 campaign with 4,624 yards and 29 scores that secured his record $212 million extension. Injuries and struggles in 2024-2025, featuring six missed games and a late-season benching amid 15 picks and a 6-8 mark, led to his exit under new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, saddling Miami with a record $99 million dead cap hit spread over two years. His South Florida era closes with notable community ties, now pivoting to compete with Atlanta's Michael Penix Jr. on a veteran-minimum $1.3 million pact.