Despite calls for retirement, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains determined to resume his playing career following his latest concussion.
Amidst the clamor for his retirement, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has unequivocally stated his intention to return to the field. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Tagovailoa has no plans to step away from the game, despite suffering his second concussion of the season.
This determination echoes Tagovailoa's response to similar calls for retirement last year, when he endured three concussions in one season. "Tua Tagovailoa and his doctors will be making the decisions about his playing, his health. They will be driving the process," Rapoport explained. "My understanding is that Tua Tagovailoa has no plans to retire. No plans to retire. In fact, his eyes are already on returning to the football field."
Tua Tagovailoa Sets His Sights on Returning to the Gridiron, Despite Concussion History
The exact timing of Tagovailoa's return remains uncertain, but Rapoport suggests that the situation may mirror that of last year. "Every concussion is different. The way every player responds to a concussion is different," he noted. "He will be healthy enough to play when he is healthy enough to play, when he and his doctors decide that."
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has not established a timeline for Tagovailoa's return, and Miami may consider adding a free agent quarterback to bolster their roster, which currently includes Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle. McDaniel has also discouraged speculation about Tagovailoa's retirement, prioritizing the player's well-being.
Tua Tagovailoa Sets His Sights on Returning to the Gridiron, Despite Concussion History
"I think it would be so wrong of me to even sniff that subject, and it’s more in line of actually caring about the human being and that’s something that entirely you’re talking about his career, right?" McDaniel explained. "His career is his, and that’s something that I really, really, really wish – I totally understand it, and it’s not misplaced. I totally get how that’s where people want to go to. I just wish that people would for a second hear what I’m saying, that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him, so I’m going to plead with everybody that does genuinely care, that that should be the last thing on your mind, because – what do you think if I were to answer that question? I’d be like, ‘All right, this is my thoughts on his career’ and he read it. If he agreed with it or he disagreed with it, either way I’ve just made him worse."
Tagovailoa's concussion history has raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of repeated head injuries. In 2022, he appeared to suffer a concussion against the Bills but was initially diagnosed with a back injury. Days later, against the Bengals, he sustained a more severe concussion that led to his being stretchered off the field. He suffered another concussion in Week 16 against the Packers, ending his season.
Tua Tagovailoa Sets His Sights on Returning to the Gridiron, Despite Concussion History
The Dolphins entered this season with optimism, having witnessed Tagovailoa's performance in 2023 and signing him to a four-year contract extension. His health remains the top priority as he recovers from his latest concussion, but Tagovailoa's unwavering determination to return to the field is evident.
As Tagovailoa navigates his recovery, NFL experts and fans alike must respect his decision to continue playing. His health should be paramount, and the support of his team and the community will be crucial as he works towards his goal of returning to the field stronger than before.
