McDaniel: Tua receiving top captain honor from teammates 'speaks volumes'

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was full of praise for Tua Tagovailoa after the quarterback was named one of the team's captains for the first time in his career.

The Dolphins allowed their players to vote on their team captains using a point system, with Tagovailoa being the "resounding highest point winner," according to McDaniel.

"It speaks volumes to where he is with the team and their belief in him," McDaniel said Thursday to reporters, including NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

The 24-year-old is entering a pivotal third year with the Dolphins. A top-five pick in 2020, Tagovailoa's play has been shaky since entering the league. He threw 16 touchdowns to 10 interceptions in 2021 but averaged only 6.8 yards per attempt.

Tagovailoa has earned praise this offseason from his teammates, most notably new wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The former Kansas City Chiefs star previously said the quarterback "has one of the prettiest balls I've ever caught."

Miami's six other captains are Hill, Terron Armstead, Xavien Howard, Jevon Holland, Elandon Roberts, and Christian Wilkins.