Tagovailoa ready to lead Sea Devils against Surge

After the injury to Micah Leon and a solid Week 2 victory over the Prague Lions, the Hamburg Sea Devils are preparing for their next big challenge: a home game against the Stuttgart Surge. Making his highly anticipated ELF debut in Bremen's Weserstadion will be newly signed American quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, and he’s coming in with one clear goal: to win. 

"I'm here to win games. Of course, it takes time to learn the system and build chemistry with the receivers, but I'm working hard. I firmly believe that we can deliver a strong game against Stuttgart", he said on Wednesday. "I know the Surge have a good team, they’ve got a good defense", said Tagovailoa ahead of the matchup, "and this week we’re trying to figure out ways by watching film how to attack their defense. I know they’re going to come out and play hard like they always do, but we will do our job and execute to win this game." That's the confidence of an American quarterback.

Right timing, right fit

The Sea Devils acted fast after Leon’s injury. General Manager Mark Weitz shared insight into how the signing came together: "Taulia was released maybe one week before Micah got injured, so we just thought, well, let’s take our chances and see. I texted him over social media and got a good response, so we tried to take our shot. In the end, it worked out and we’re very happy to have him."

Tagovailoa had just become a free agent when the Sea Devils reached out - and it didn’t take long for both sides to find common ground. The younger brother of Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa, sees his new role as an opportunity - and a challenge: "After my time in the CFL, I was at a point where I didn't know what to do next. Then Mark reached out - and suddenly everything happened very quickly. I was on a plane to Hamburg within two days. I'm grateful for this new opportunity to play football and continue living my dream."

"I'm not here to rest on my laurels"

Tagovailoa brings more than talent - he brings ambition. "The Sea Devils brought me here for one reason, and that’s to win football games and to bring championships to this franchise", he said. "I’m working with coaches and the players - obviously, things are moving pretty fast right now. My number one goal is coming to Hamburg and making a difference to the team."

When asked what characterizes him as a quarterback, he answers confidently but down-to-earth: "Leadership - for sure. I was a starter in college, played in big stadiums. But what counts is hard work. I'm not here to rest on my laurels. I want to show that I'm ready to deliver - for the team, for the fans, for Hamburg."

Football party at Bremer Weserstadion on Saturday

For many fans, the fixture at Bremen's Weserstadion is something special. The Sea Devils already played there last year - with great success. This time, too, there will be a great supporting program: Starting at 1:00 p.m., the power party will take place on the stadium forecourt - with food trucks, fan activities and exclusive merchandise. Kickoff is at 18:00.

General Manager Weitz is confident - despite short-term challenges: "We know that we have to win back the trust of the fans after a difficult year. But with the win in Prague and a playmaker like Taulia, we'll go into this home game stronger than ever."

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