How did Dolphins QB Tagovailoa land on President Trump’s council? ‘Not too sure.’
Looks like another professional athlete is unsure how he landed on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t completely understand why President Donald Trump announced him as a member of the council.
“I should ask you that same question too bro,” Tagovailoa replied Wednesday when asked about the appointment. “How did that all develop? I’m not too sure.”
This comes a few days after Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, another athelete who Trump claimed to have appointed to the council, said he was unsure why the president brought him up despite already declining the invite.
“Couple months ago it was brought to my team about the council. So, I’m not really too familiar with it. I felt like I’m going to be super busy so, me and my family thought it was probably in the best interest to not accept that,” Barkley told reporters. “So, was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned. I’m assuming it’s something great, so I appreciate it, but was a little shocked my name was mentioned.”
The initial announcement occured July 31 when Trump held a news conference in honor of the expansion of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, “a federal advisory committee that aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all people, regardless of background or ability,” according to its website. Tagovailoa was one of the many current and former professional athletes named to the coucil including Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa.
“I don’t know why, I don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing,” Taylor said July 31 before directing his attention to Trump. “But I’m here to serve and I’m here to serve you.”
In addition to the reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test, the other headline-grabbing momment happened when Trump butchered the mispronounciation of Tagovailoa’s name.
“Tua Tagovaila, the quarterback who is really — he’s been fantastic,” Trump said at the time, pronouncing the last name “Tag – O – val – ia.” “He’s been — when he’s not injured he’s great. He’s got to stay healthy.”
Tagovailoa, on the other hand, didn’t necessarily mind.
“I don’t think he’s had the worse” pronunciation, Tagovailoa responded Wednesday, adding that he “didn’t take it to heart.” “I heard a couple worse in Alabama.”
Tagovailoa then gave a pretty accurate impression of the 47th president.
“’He’s a great guy,’” Tagovailoa said. “’Phenomenal guy. He’s just got to stay healthy.’”
Whether Tagovailoa will participate in the council is unclear. The franchise quarterback likely has bigger things to worry about with the exhibition season nearly here.
This story was originally published August 6, 2025 at 12:22 PM.
