Alabama star quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Tua Tagovailoa suffered a devastating season-ending injury Saturday, but stayed optimistic and delivered a faith-centric perspective to fans on social media.
“Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes! God always has a plan,” Tagovailoa wrote on Twitter Saturday night, hours after he was injured.
Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes! God always has a plan 🙏🏽
— Tua. T 🇦🇸 (@Tuaamann) November 17, 2019
Tagovailoa suffered a dislocated hip – a rare injury for an athlete – while being tackled during a game against Mississippi State. His recovery is expected to last at least 6-12 months, according to a surgeon interviewed by CBS Sports, although it could threaten his career if severe enough. The surgeon did not know all the details of the injury but said the injury is more common in automobile accidents.
He was expected to be a high NFL draft pick in 2020 if he chose to bypass his senior season. He is a junior.
Tagovailoa is known for his Christian faith. The eye black on each side of his face is shaped like a cross. His social media accounts lists 1 Corinthians 2:9, which says, “‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
He told CBN earlier this year that his foundation is “my faith and my family.”
“You know, my faith is what keeps me motivated when I can’t even stay motivated myself,” he said. “I’m just trying to play football, just trying to be able to take care of my family and be able to use my platform for the right reasons.”
Asked what he admires most about Jesus, he said, “The greatest gift that God could’ve ever given us was his son! It's not just a matter of hearing what Jesus Christ is. It's a matter of getting to know who Jesus Christ is! To really understand and really feel the identity of who you are because of things that He's done. And I’d say you can only find your identity through Him, if you know Him.”
Videos on social media showed Tagovailoa playing the ukulele and even dancing (with his arms) to Kirk Franklin’s “Looking For You” in his hospital bed.
Even when he is down he is still up. @Tuaamann #PrayforTua #ThankYou13 pic.twitter.com/d0B39FCEQi
— Nick Saban (@sabanfaux) November 18, 2019
That’s my QB pic.twitter.com/hQupzTeQdF
— Alabama DieHards (@AlabamaDieHards) November 18, 2019
He also re-Tweeted a message from former Alabama running back Shaun Alexander to him: “My confidence in life is not in my gifts, abilities, awards or accomplishments. My confidence comes from my faith in Jesus. His plan is perfect. Every part of the plan is PERFECT. Love you Tuaman. Walk through this like you was built to. Finish the Game. A legend is being made.”
My confidence in life is not in my gifts, abilities, awards or accomplishments. My confidence comes from my faith in Jesus. His plan is perfect. Every part of the plan is PERFECT. Love you Tuaman. Walk through this like you was built to. Finish the Game. A legend is being made. pic.twitter.com/COBbmUt1Qj
— Shaun Alexander (@shaunalexander) November 17, 2019
Related:
Jaguars QB Nick Foles: ‘I'm Going to Glorify’ Christ in the ‘Good or Bad’
‘I Need Jesus,’ Too -- Orlando Magic’s Jonathan Isaac on Why He Attends Church
‘All Things Come from the Lord,’ Says Bo Nix, QB for No. 7 Auburn
Coach of No. 1 Clemson: My Purpose Is ‘to Glorify God’
Tim Tebow Says Loving and Serving Others is 'Bigger Than Football'
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox/Staff
