Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota spoke about the injury suffered by Alabama Crimson Tide star, Tua Tagovailoa.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagvailoa both went to the same high school, so when the star college signal-caller went down with a serious injury over the weekend, it hit close to home for Mariota.
Tagovailoa suffered a dislocated hip and posterior wall fracture in a 38-7 Alabama win on Saturday, ending his 2019 season. He underwent successful surgery to mend his injury and the good news is there is optimism that he can make a full recovery from such a serious injury.
The bad news is this leaves Tagovailoa’s future in doubt. He was expected to not only compete for a Heisman Trophy this season, but was also slated to be either the first or second quarterback taken off the board in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Mariota and Tagovailoa have a relationship and keep in touch. Both are from Hawaii and went to Saint Louis High School in Honolulu.
Mariota was watching the game when the injury happened and was concerned for his friend, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
"“It was tough to watch,” Mariota said on Monday. “I am sitting there watching, and I was like, ‘C’mon, man, get up. Please get up.’ When I saw him get carted off, you just start praying and hoping he is OK. I felt for him.”"
If anyone knows something about serious injuries, it’s Mariota. On top of the smaller issues he’s had over the years, Mariota suffered a broken leg back in 2016 that ended his sophomore season in the NFL early.
Right now, Mariota is hoping for the best for his friend and believes Tagovailoa will bounce back and return even stronger.
"“I am praying for him and his family,” Mariota said of Tagovailoa, “and anything we can do to help and show him support we are more than willing to do. I hope this is just a stepping stone for him, and something he can grow from. He is a tough kid, and I really think he’ll bounce back from this.”"
We wish Tagovailoa a speedy recovery.