The upcoming NFL matchup between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins in Madrid promises an exciting showdown. This game will feature two notable quarterbacks born in Honolulu: Marcus Mariota of the Commanders and Tua Tagovailoa of the Dolphins. This confrontation marks their first meeting on the field, despite their shared history.
Legendary Hawaiian Quarterbacks Face Off
Marcus Mariota, 32, and Tua Tagovailoa, 27, have an inspiring backstory. In Honolulu, Mariota became a mentor to Tagovailoa when he was just a fourth-grader. Their paths diverged yet mirrored one another, leading them both to become first-round NFL draft picks.
Milestones and Achievements
- High School Success: Both players earned Hawaii Gatorade State Player of the Year awards.
- Championship Titles: They won state titles during their high school careers.
- Collegiate Honors:
- Mariota was the first Heisman Trophy winner from Hawaii and appeared in the 2014 National Championship.
- Tagovailoa claimed the CFP National Championship with Alabama in 2018, finishing second in Heisman voting.
- Draft History: Mariota was the second overall pick in 2015, while Tagovailoa was the fifth overall pick in 2020. This made them the second duo selected in the top five from the same high school, following the Manning brothers.
Current Season Overview
As the Commanders prepare for this matchup, Mariota has started five games this season. He has shown solid performance while stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels, posting a passer rating of 91.9 along with seven total touchdowns.
On the other hand, Tagovailoa is navigating his sixth season with the Dolphins. Although he is leading the league with 13 interceptions, his recent performances have shown marked improvement in efficiency.
As these two Hawaiian football legends take the stage in Madrid, fans can expect a special rivalry that transcends the game. Both quarterbacks aim to represent their home state with pride and determination.
