Marino Talks Up Tua

Count Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino as someone who is firmly in the corner of current Dolphins signal caller Tua Tagovailoa. Despite an up and down rookie campaign, Marino told ESPN that he’s of the belief that the second-year Alabama product can be the guy to lead Miami to contention: “I hope he does. It would be awesome for everybody, wouldn’t it? The most important thing is to be yourself, be who you are and work your butt off. It’ll work out.” Said Marino.

Tua started nine games for The Fins a season ago, throwing 11 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. With Tua under center Miami went 6 and 3 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

Having a full offseason program for the first time as a pro is something Marino feels will benefit Tua: “Now it’s just about him developing the relationship with the other players. It’s been tough because he didn’t have OTAs last year, a lot of the summer camp or the chance to play in exhibition games. All those things delay you somewhat. I’ll tell you, he works his butt off. I’m really excited about him, his future and our future as a team.” said Marino, per ESPN.

Marino continued harping on the importance of OTAs while praising last season’s fifth overall pick: “As time goes on you, you get a better handle (of the game). You know your people. That’s what OTAs is about, getting your timing down,” the Hall of Famer said. “He played a lot last year and when he played, we won games. We almost got in the playoffs. All that is a positive. You try to build from the positives.

Tua and his Dolphins teammates report to training camp July 27^th.