Tua Tagovailoa isn’t taking any chances when it comes to keeping his family safe. The Miami Dolphins quarterback had a clear warning for anyone thinking about breaking into his home while he’s away for games: don’t even try it.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, December 11, Tagovailoa shared his concerns after a recent spike in burglaries targeting NFL stars. “We have personal security now,” he explained. “They’re at the house, with my wife, and just so it’s clear, they are armed. So, if you’re thinking about it, think twice.”
This wave of burglaries has left the NFL community on edge. Just last weekend, while Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was playing in Texas, his home in Ohio was broken into. Back in October, burglars hit the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce within two days of each other while they were busy playing against the New Orleans Saints. These incidents seem to be part of a larger, organized effort, with investigators suspecting a South American crime ring.
Tagovailoa’s decision to amp up his security came after his own car was broken into—a moment he said felt way too close for comfort. “It was enough to make me feel like I needed to do something to protect my family,” he said.
The problem isn’t limited to the NFL. In November, Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis revealed his Wisconsin home was burglarized while he was on the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Burrow, meanwhile, spoke openly about how shaken he felt after his home was targeted. “It’s not just about the stuff they take,” he said. “It’s about feeling like your privacy has been completely invaded.”
The NFL is taking the issue seriously, issuing a memo last month to warn players about the risks. For Tagovailoa and others, the message is clear: when it comes to protecting their loved ones, they won’t leave anything to chance.
