Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tua Tagovailoa voices concerns about certain Dolphins teammates

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 5:58 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins lost again on Sunday, dropping a 29-27 decision to the Los Angeles Chargers. It not only dropped them to 1-5, but it was also the second game in as many weeks where they lost a late lead in the final two minutes because their defense could not get a stop.

The defensive issues — and the losing — have been a constant problem all season. But after Sunday's game, starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa called attention to something that seemed to be bothering him about the leadership and locker room mentality.

Tua Tagovailoa offers eye-opening commentary

When asked a question about how the Dolphins players avoid taking on a "woe is us" mentality in the face of these losses, Tagovailoa said it all started with leadership. He continued by saying the Dolphins have had some players not showing up to online and players meetings, or showing up late to them.

Tua Tagovailoa tells reporters that Dolphins players have been late and/or skipping players-only meetings in recent weeks.

Eye-opening example of problems with 1-5 Miami Dolphins. Tua begins answer: “it starts with the leadership.” (H/T @MiamiDolphins). pic.twitter.com/qVbFLVLxAT
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 12, 2025

An important piece of context here is that the meetings he is speaking of are reportedly not the official team meetings called by the coaching staff. They are meetings called by players, which Tagovailoa runs for offensive linemen and skill position players.

According to longtime Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly, the coaches only participate in these meetings if they are asked and are not considered mandatory by head coach Mike McDaniel.

Many units have player run meetings. Tua run a player run meeting for O-linemen and offensive skill players.

Mike McDaniel pointed out these aren’t meetings called by team, and coaches only participate when asked. https://t.co/M01kqJWjYj
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) October 12, 2025

While that context does matter and is important to point out, it does indicate at least some sort of problem somewhere within the locker room and with the players.

Is there a disconnect on what is required? Do the players not respect Tagovailoa as a leader? Are players just checking out and not wanting to do more to try and turn things around this season?

There are a lot of different ways you can go with that. Whatever angle it is, it seems to be something that is bothering Tagovailoa. And it should be bothering the Dolphins that their quarterback and some of his teammates do not appear to be on the same page, both on the field and off of it.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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