The Hamburg Sea Devils have signed quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa, to replace injured starter Micah Leon after their Week 1 loss to the Madrid Bravos in the European League of Football (ELF).
College dominance
Tagovailoa, 24, set 11 school records at the University of Maryland (2020–2023), including career passing yards (11,356), touchdowns (77), and total offense (11,473). His 2021 season remains the Terrapins’ benchmark, with 3,860 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.
Post-draft journey
Undrafted in 2024, Tagovailoa attended a Seattle Seahawks minicamp before signing with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He appeared in eight games, completing one pass for six yards and had three carries for 10 yards and a touchdown. Recently released by Hamilton, he now joins the Sea Devils, who lost starter Micah Leon to an undisclosed injury during their 13-12 defeat at the hands of the Madrid Bravos.
Tagovailoa #1 celebrating with Tiger-Cats
ELF opportunity
Leon’s injury forced Hamburg to pivot quickly after a shaky opener. Tagovailoa’s precision (67.1% career college completion rate) and mobility (206 rushing yards at Maryland) could help stabilize an offense that scored just 12 points against Madrid.
Roster adjustments
The Sea Devils leaned on backup Moritz Maack after Leon’s exit. Maack completed 7 of 9 passes for 53 yards in his brief appearance.
Key context
- Tagovailoa’s 2023 college stats: 3,377 yards, 25 TDs, 66.4% completion.
- Hamburg’s 2024 starter Zach Edwards departed in free agency, opening the door for Leon before his injury.