Tua Tagovailoa, the NFL quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has been appointed to President Donald Trump’s re-established Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The council was reformed through an executive order signed by Trump, and Tagovailoa expressed that it’s an ‘honor’ to be part of the initiative. However, the quarterback admitted to not having a full understanding of the details behind his role, indicating that he is in the early stages of engagement with the council.
At the White House event, which took place last week, the council was officially reactivated with notable athletes such as Bryson DeChambeau, Lawrence Taylor, and Annika Sorenstam in attendance. Tagovailoa was not present due to his current training camp commitments, but he remains proud to be linked with the group. Other prominent figures on the council include Gary Bettman, Cody Campbell, Roger Goodell, Wayne Gretzky, Nelly Korda, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Mariano Rivera, Tony Romo, and Matthew Tkachuk. Saquon Barkley, however, chose not to accept the invitation.
Tagovailoa’s wife, Annah, has shown support for Trump in the past, including a public post praising the president’s response to Hurricane Milton. However, recent events have brought attention to the quarterback’s health concerns, particularly after suffering a concussion in Week 2 of the season against the Buffalo Bills. This marks his third concussion in his professional career, prompting widespread discussions about his long-term brain health and future within the NFL. These concerns have led to increased scrutiny both from the public and within the league’s medical and management teams.
While Trump’s council aims to promote sports and fitness nationwide, Tagovailoa’s involvement highlights his growing role as a public figure beyond football. The decision to join the council could be seen as a strategic move to align with political interests or a genuine interest in contributing to national fitness initiatives. Nonetheless, the quarterback’s recent health issues continue to pose challenges for his career trajectory, adding a layer of complexity to his public engagement with the Trump administration.