‘Can’t Defend This Dude Anymore’ — NFL Fans Rip Tua Tagovailoa’s Absurd Response to Cam Newton’s Criticism

There hasn’t been a player under more scrutiny early in the 2025 season than Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Through three games, he has faced intense criticism from both fans and the media.

The pressure boiled over when Cam Newton publicly criticized him, prompting Tagovailoa to fire back at the former NFL MVP. However, his response to Newton is drawing even more criticism than his on-field performance, with fans reacting quickly to what many see as an over-the-top reply.

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NFL Fans Slam Tua Tagovailoa Over Response to Cam Newton
After Miami’s Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Newton appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” and pointed out that Tagovailoa is earning more than some of the league’s top quarterbacks while not living up to the expectations that come with his salary.

On Thursday, Tagovailoa was asked about Newton’s comments and fired back at the former Panthers quarterback, saying it’s easier to hold a clicker and talk about the game than actually play quarterback.

Tua Tagovailoa on criticism from Cam Newton:

“I want to see anybody on the streets come play QB. … It’s easier to be able to hold a clicker and talk about it.” pic.twitter.com/cgF3Yotpi6

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 25, 2025

“I want to see anybody on the streets come and play quarterback,” Tagovailoa said. “Cam is doing his thing for sure, but I think it’s easier to be able to hold a clicker and talk about it that way or talk about what someone else is doing wrong when you’re not going out and having to do the same as them.”

Fans quickly took issue with Tagovailoa’s comments, noting that Newton is far from just “anybody off the streets.” The former NFL veteran boasts 11 seasons, three Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl appearance, and an MVP award.

Most fans were quick to point out that Newton had accomplished more than Tagovailoa has in the league, with one saying, “Buddy Cam was 10x the quarterback you’ll ever be.”

Another fan pointed out that Newton won the league’s MVP at a point in time, and isn’t just anyone off the streets.

That guy “on the streets” literally won an MVP pic.twitter.com/jmQDx7fUbu

— tyler 🇷🇸 (@tmed_26) September 25, 2025

While another fan highlighted both Newton’s MVP and Super Bowl appearance, writing, “No way he said that about a mvp and someone who been to a superbowl.”

Other fans were so shocked by Tagovailoa’s statement that they questioned whether he knew who Newton was, with one posting on X, ” Does he not know who CAM NEWTON is?!”

While someone else wrote, “Does he know Cam played football.”

One fan even went as far as to blame Tagovailoa’s concussion history for the outlandish comments.

Concussion affecting him bad https://t.co/EQBTnI14Xp

— Karsyn’s Daddy (@BigKen__) September 25, 2025

One fan, who clearly was once a Tagovailoa supporter, claimed that he can’t even defend the quarterback anymore, writing, “Alright, I can’t defend this dude anymore.”

It’s easy to see why fans took exception to Tagovailoa’s comments, especially given just how dominant Newton was at his peak.

At the same time, it’s also understandable why Tagovailoa is frustrated with the constant criticism, particularly coming from a former peer who knows firsthand the highs and lows of playing quarterback in the NFL.