NFL QBs Tua Tagovailoa, Malik Willis share faith-filled messages as they join new teams 

Two high-profile NFL quarterbacks embarking on chapters with new teams have shared faith-filled messages, thanking teammates, fans and – most importantly – God while offering a glimpse into their beliefs.

Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay’s Malik Willis each released statements Tuesday reflecting their Christian faith the same day they departed teams where they had built memories and become staples in their communities.

The Dolphins released Tagovailoa following a six-season stint marked by several highs – including two playoff appearances and a season in which he led the league in passing yards – but also injuries and concussions that limited his playing time. Tagovailoa reportedly is set to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Willis, meanwhile, is heading to Miami as the presumed starter after two years as a backup with the Green Bay Packers, where he became a hot commodity while filling in during limited opportunities.

Both are two of the most outspoken Christians in the NFL.

“Thank you for six unforgettable years,” Tagovailoa wrote, referencing the Dolphins organization, his teammates and Miami fans. “From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life.” 

Tagovailoa, who was drafted by Miami out of the University of Alabama, concluded by pointing to his faith.

“Most importantly, I thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for guiding my path, strengthening my faith, and carrying me through every high and low,” Tagovailoa wrote. “My relationship with Him has given me perspective, patience and purpose beyond the game. It truly is the work of Him that through all my injuries I am still able to play the game I’ve loved since a kid. As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Willis was drafted by Tennessee out of Liberty University in 2022 and played two seasons for the Titans before signing with the Packers. He made a name for himself in 2025 while filling in for injured quarterback Jordan Love.

Many NFL observers believed Green Bay would be unable to keep him as a backup, and those predictions proved accurate when the Dolphins signed him to be their presumed starter.

“Much love and respect to packer nation supporting us and me the past 2 years! It has been awesome upholding the standard for the green and gold,” Willis wrote alongside a cheese emoji – a nod to Green Bay’s famous “cheesehead” fan base. “It has been more than a blessing and i will never forget my time here and the relationships I made!” 

“Fins Up,” he added, referencing the Miami Dolphins’ rallying cry.

Willis concluded by citing Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33-34: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Tagovailoa and Willis may appear to be heading in opposite directions in their NFL careers – Willis, after all, will play for Tagovailoa’s former team – but Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com noted in a Monday column that the league is filled with quarterbacks who have found new life in new cities.

“The Dolphins’ decision to release Tagovailoa doesn’t mean he’s washed,” Chadiha wrote. “There have been too many disappointing quarterbacks in recent memory who’ve revived their careers in other places, a list that includes Seattle’s Sam Darnold, Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones, Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield and the man who just agreed to replace Tagovailoa in Miami, former Titans starter turned Green Bay backup Malik Willis.”