Quick Answer: Does Tua Tagovailoa Have a Brother in the NFL?
As of the most recent verified rosters, Tua Tagovailoa does not have a brother currently on an NFL active roster. He has several relatives who played college football and were drafted, including his cousin Jonah Mau'u (nose tackle, undrafted free agent with the Jaguars in 2022) and his brother-in-law Joseph Tuipulotu, who is a professional linebacker. Tua’s closest male relatives in football have played at Alabama and in the NCAA, but not yet in the NFL.
Overview of Tua Tagovailoa’s Immediate Family and Football Background
Tua Tagovailoa is the youngest of four children born to Diane and Shane Tagovailoa in Mōiliʻili, Hawaii. His father played quarterback at BYU and later coached high school football in Hawaii. His older siblings include Richard, Adam, and Tanea. Richard Tagovailoa was an early enrollee at Alabama in 2019 but later transferred to Hawaii and played there in 2020. Adam Tagovailoa was an offensive lineman at Hawaii from 2019 to 2022 before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft but went undrafted. Tanea Tagovailoa was a quarterback at Highlands Ranch High School and committed to Hawaii in 2023.
Immediate Family Football Table
| Name | Position | College | Draft/Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Tagovailoa | OLB | Alabama / Hawaii | Walk-on, transferred (2020) | No NFL contract |
| Adam Tagovailoa | C/G | Hawaii | Undrafted free agent (2023) | Signed with Colts, waived in preseason |
| Tanea Tagovailoa | QB | High School / Hawaii (2023) | Walk-on commit | Family QB prospect |
| Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama | No. 59 overall (2020) | Miami Dolphins |
Relationship Clarity: Cousins and In-Laws in Professional Football
While Tua does not have a brother on an NFL roster, he has close family members who have reached professional levels:
- Jonah Mau'u: A nose tackle and Tua’s cousin, Jonah was undrafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and spent time on their practice squad. He has since been with the Vikings and Colts on practice squads and active roasters at different points.
- Joseph Tuipulotu: Married to Tua’s sister, Talai Tualau, Joseph is an NFL linebacker drafted in the 7th round (223rd overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He has been an active roster contributor as an edge defender.
- Other relatives: Extended family members have played college football, but none currently hold NFL active roster spots as of the most recent verified rosters.
Family Relationship Detail Table
| Relative | Relationship | Position | NFL Status | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Tuipulotu | Brother-in-law (married to sister Talai) | LB | Active | Baltimore Ravens |
| Jonah Mau'u | Cousin | DT | Free agent / Practice squad | JAX, MIN, IND |
| Adam Tagovailoa | Brother | C/G | Not in NFL | Dolphins practice squad (2023), Colts, waiver |
| Richard Tagovailoa | Brother | OLB | Not in NFL | Aloha Bowl MVP, Hawaii, undrafted free agent |
Differences Between NFL Roster Status and College Success
Several of Tua’s male relatives have achieved notable success at the college level but have not yet reached an NFL active roster. Both Adam and Richard earned significant praise in college, with Richard earning MVP honors of the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl. Adam was a Rimington Trophy watch list candidate in 2022. However, translating college performance to an NFL roster requires combine performance, pro day results, positional depth, and team needs, none of which have yet resulted in a current contract for a brother on the field.
College Honors Summary
| Name | College Awards / Highlights | Combine / Pro Day Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Tagovailoa | 2020 Cheez-It Bowl MVP | N/A |
| Adam Tagovailoa | Second-team All-Mountain West (2022) | N/A (did not perform publicly) |
Official Roster Verification Sources and Cross-Checks
In evaluating whether Tua has a brother in the NFL, it’s important to cross-check multiple roster sources, including team websites, the NFL official site, and trusted aggregators such as ESPN, Spotrac, and OverTheCap. As of the 2025 offseason rosters, no Tagovailoa brother appears on any active 53-man roster or practice squad. Adam Tagovailoa was signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad in September 2023 and subsequently released. Richard Tagovailoa has been with the Saints and Vikings on practice squads but has not been promoted to an active roster.
Public Misconceptions and Rumors
Because Tua’s father played quarterback and multiple siblings have football experience, informal speculation sometimes suggests a brother is already in the league. In reality, the pathway from high school standout in Hawaii to the NFL involves significant competition. As of now, the only NFL connection through Tua’s immediate family is his brother-in-law Joseph Tuipulotu. Followers should treat informal claims about a Tagovailoa brother on an NFL roster as unverified until confirmed by official team rosters.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Tua Tagovailoa does not currently have a brother on an NFL active roster or practice squad as of the latest verified rosters.
- His brother Adam was an undrafted free agent in 2023 and spent time on the Colts practice squad.
- His brother Richard played at Hawaii and Alabama but has not signed an NFL active roster deal.
- His cousin Jonah Mau'u and his brother-in-law Joseph Tuipulotu are the only relatives with current NFL experience.
- Joseph Tuipulotu is an active linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens; Jonah Mau'u is a free-agent defensive lineman.
Looking Ahead
Football family pipelines can evolve quickly, but as of the current season, Tua’s brothers remain college athletes or undrafted prospects rather than NFL roster members. Followers should monitor official team announcements, roster cuts, and practice squad moves for any changes. When a Tagovailoa brother does reach the league, it will be notable news; until then, the answer to “is Tua’s brother in the NFL” is no.