Tua Says He Doesn't Have 'Anything to Prove to Anyone on the Outside' After Winning Falcons QB Job

Tua Tagovailoa isn't focused on outside noise after winning the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback job in training camp.

"I don't have anything to prove to anyone on the outside," Tagovailoa said Wednesday, according to Will McFadden of the team's official website.

He explained that he goes out each week to prove something to himself instead, per McFadden.

The Falcons named Tagovailoa as their first-string quarterback over Michael Penix Jr. on Monday.

Penix started nine games for the Falcons last season, but wasn't cleared to fully practice in training camp until Aug. 22 while he recovered from a torn ACL that he suffered in 2025.

He'll be listed as inactive in Week 1 for Atlanta while Cooper Rush will serve as Tagovailoa's backup.

The Falcons signed Tagovailoa as a free agent in March after he started 76 games for the Miami Dolphins from 2020-25.

Despite his experience, he struggled with inconsistency while learning a new offense throughout camp.

Tagovailoa appeared in two preseason games for the Falcons, completing 76.9 percent of his throws for 117 yards without tossing a touchdown or an interception. He also committed two fumbles, losing one of them.

Atlanta's starting offense wasn't able to routinely move the chains with Tagovailoa under center during the preseason, scoring just one touchdown in five total drives.

Still, the Falcons will hope that the 28-year-old can find his rhythm in the pocket during a season-opening clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET.