Jul 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) speaks to reporters during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Saquon Barkley didn't know why President Donald Trump mentioned him specifically when unveiled his new Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition earlier this summer. It was an invitation Barkley said he declined months before the announcement.

Turns out, he's not the only athlete to get name-dropped (in Tagovailoa's case, badly) by the president while having no idea it was coming. When reporters pressed Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa about his position with the executive branch's latest endeavor in public education -- a business the federal government is not-so-quietly trying to get out of -- Tagovailoa admitted he was surprised to hear about his involvement with the plan.

“I should ask you that question, too, brother," Tagovailoa told media from Dolphins training camp when asked how his inclusion in the council came about. "How did that all develop? I’m not too sure.”

Tagovailoa later explained he was honored by the selection and plans to participate, even if he really doesn't know what it is.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Tagovailoa. “It’s an honor. I would say I don’t know too much about it, but again, I think that’s an honor.”

How much Tagovailoa will be able to take on as football season ramps up is unknown. He's facing a make-or-break season for head coach Mike McDaniel, who has overseen one of the league's most explosive offenses when his starting quarterback is healthy but has zero playoff wins in two appearances to show for it.

While Tagovailoa's 2024 contract extension will keep him on the roster through 2026, it could be a make-or-break year for him as well. He's missed at least four games due to injury in four of his five pro seasons. Another injury-marred campaign could signal the end of his run as a franchise QB.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Tua Tagovailoa 'not too sure' how he ended up on Trump's fitness council

Reporting by Christian D'Andrea, For The Win / For The Win

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