

Drew Brees surprised fans in late 2023 when he shared a post-retirement revelation: he can no longer throw accurately with his right arm due to a severe 2005 shoulder injury.
That injury marked the end of an era in San Diego and ultimately led to Brees‘ legendary run in New Orleans. Now, years after retiring, he admits he can only toss footballs in his backyard with his non-dominant arm.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa is entering his sixth NFL season, and his production mirrors Brees’ trajectory. In his first five seasons, Brees recorded 12 348 yards, 80 touchdowns, and a 62.2 percent completion rate with an 84.9 passer rating.
Tagovailoa, on the other hand, has already surpassed him with 15 506 yards, 100 touchdowns, a 68.1 percent completion rate, and a 97.9 rating.
Tua has continued to build on those numbers. In 2023 he led the NFL with 4 624 passing yards, threw 29 touchdowns, and completed 69.3 percent of his passes . In 2022 he led the league in quarterback rating, and he topped the charts in completion percentage in 2024 .
Armstead remained unwavering in his praise of Tagovailoa‘s talent during the TV appearance.
“I may be the one who originated the Drew Brees comparison, and I’ll stand on that. I will,” Armstead asserted.
“He is very talented. His anticipation, his accuracy, his precision; there’s very few guys who have walked this planet who can do what he can do with the football in his hand.”
Armstead also emphasized Tagovailoa‘s growth and poise under pressure.
“I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it in close proximity. I’ve seen his preparation.” Armstead said. “We’ve seen him, collectively as football players, we’ve seen him improve since his rookie until now.
“He led the league in passing yards a couple of years ago, he leads the league in completion percentage every year, those are winning stats.
“I think, even more this year, he takes another step in his leadership, he takes another step in the fourth quarter, twominute drills, those lategame situations that really separate the good from the great. I think it’s time.”
Armstead‘s devotion to this comparison stems from firsthand experience guarding both players. He knows Tua’s work ethic and pregame preparation are reminiscent of what Brees displayed early in his career.
Tua has also overcome challenges common to many quarterbacks-particularly his history of concussions.
Despite those setbacks, he continued to improve each season and earn the confidence of his coaching staff and teammates. That resilience is another facet he and Brees share.
As Drew Brees grapples with permanent shoulder issues, Tagovailoa is demonstrating the kind of consistent performance and persistent drive that defined Brees‘ midcareer peak.
Armstead‘s endorsement makes one fact abundantly clear: Tua is not simply productive as he possesses a rare combination of traits that can elevate a quarterback from good to legendary.
If Tagovailoa continues on his current ascent, marked by elite efficiency, model leadership, and durability, Armstead might not just stand on that comparison he may eventually see it fulfilled.
This news was originally published on this post .
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