Tua Tagovailoa revealed he increased security at his home after he was the victim of a car break-in recently, while also sending a message to potential trespassers.
The Dolphins quarterback said he has armed security guards at his Miami residence when he was asked Wednesday about the recent string of robberies targeting NFL stars, including Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
“I have personal security just because my house had gotten broken into … one of my cars,” Tagovailoa, 26, said. “It’s a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house. So, we got personal security to take care of all of that. When we’re on the road, we got someone with my wife and we got someone also at the house surveying the house.
“So just let that be known, they are armed. So I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice,” Tagovailoa said with a smile.
The reporters, who were not captured on camera, were heard laughing in the background.
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Tagovailoa’s cautionary message came after Burrow’s home was broken into this week during “Monday Night Football” when the Bengals beat the Cowboys, 27-20, in Arlington.
Supermodel Olivia Ponton, 22, reported the break-in while she was still inside Burrow’s Anderson Township home in Ohio.
No one was injured, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws the football against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 8, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConIt’s unclear what was stolen.
Burrow addressed the break-in during a press conference Wednesday and said his privacy was violated.
The quarterback did not name Ponton.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks off the field after the after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 17, 2024. Sam Greene / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe break-in at Burrow’s home came after Mahomes and Kelce’s Missouri homes were targeted in separate break-ins on Oct. 6 (after midnight) and Oct. 7.
According to police documents, $20,000 in cash was taken from Kelce’s home and his back door was damaged.
A watch belonging to the All-Pro tight end was later discovered in Providence by authorities investigating the robberies.
Chiefs stars Travis Kelce #87 and Patrick Mahomes #15 warm up prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty ImagesThe burglary at Kelce’s home occurred just after 7:33 p.m. on Oct. 7— while the star was at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ 26-13 win over the Saints on “Monday Night Football.”
The break-ins are still under investigation.
Police believe the string of robberies could be part of a scheme involving skilled criminals targeting vacant homes of high-profile athletes.
The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams last month, informing them about organized crimes that are targeting the homes of professional athletes, including Mahomes and Kelce.
The Dolphins, Chiefs and Bengals have away games Sunday.
