NFL fans aren’t just spectators—they’re the heartbeat of the game, turning stadiums into electric battlegrounds every Sunday. And few embody that passion like Ian Berger, affectionately known as “Big E”—the heart and soul of Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins fanbase. From leading game-day chants to building a tight-knit Dolphins community, his impact goes beyond football. No wonder he won the team’s Fan of the Year in 2020.

However, in the last few months, Big E has been suffering from many medical issues, forcing him to miss out on a few Dolphins’ games in the last season. Notably, back in November last year, the fan had revealed his Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) diagnosis—a chronic liver disease causing the bile ducts inside and outside the organ to become inflamed and scarred—that currently has no cure except for a liver transplant. “Diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) which does not have approved treatments at the moment. Basically, I will eventually need a liver transplant. And I’m now heading back to the UM ER to get admitted as recent blood results were concerning to the doctors,” he had informed last year.

In response, the Dolphins’ star wide receiver, Tyreek Hill had also sent a get-well message to Big E back then, while writing, “blessing sent your way.” 

And on March 20, Big E took to the social media platform again. This time to reveal that his medical issues had worsened, and that he would require an immediate transplant. Taking to X, he wrote, “As many of you know, I have been dealing with many medical issues the past few months. It’s gotten to the point now where I am now in need of a living liver transplant. Please click on the link below to learn more & please share to help me!”

And, as expected, Tua Tagovailoa’s mom, Diane Tagovailoa, also promptly shared the heartbreaking post with an appeal. “Family/Friends PLEASE SHARE! Sending you tons of prayers dear friend @ian693 ♥️,” she wrote.

But not just Diane, even her son has been a staunch believer in helping others…

Tua Tagovailoa takes after his mom

If there is one thing Tua is known for besides his precise and lightning-fast release, it’s his philanthropic work—whether for his fans or the communities that shaped his life. In February 2021, the QB established the Tua Foundation, an NGO, for the support of youth initiatives, health and wellness.

The foundation aims to pour its efforts into the communities that shaped Tagovailoa the most—Hawaii, Alabama, and Miami. On top of that, the QB also established a $300K scholarship endowment for the betterment of his high school, Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Besides, the Dolphins’ QB never shies away when it comes to helping a fan or their family either. Last year, when a Dolphins’ superfan named Eric Carmona tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in California, the 27-year-old QB donated $10K to the family. Up until his tragic passing, the superfan was known for posting supportive videos about Tagovailoa, while defending him from undeserved criticism.

“Out of my respect to him … I just want his wife and kids to know that we’re praying for them and that we’re thinking of them,” the Dolphins’ signal caller had stated when asked about the tragic incident. Sure, the public didn’t know about Eric Carmona’s identity until his death, considering he used a voice modulator and a mask to hide his identity. But one thing’s for sure: The fanbase hasn’t turned their backs on him ever since, and nor will they on Big E…