Tua Tagovailoa's latest concussion has sparked widespread debate about his NFL future. After suffering his third concussion in 24 months, calls are mounting for the Miami Dolphins quarterback to consider retirement for his own safety. However, Tagovailoa's contract situation makes such a decision complex, as he could forfeit millions of dollars if he chooses to leave the game.
Tua Tagovailoa's NFL future is hanging in the balance after he suffered his third concussion in 24 months during the Miami Dolphins' loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. The injury, which occurred when Tagovailoa was tackled by Bills safety Damar Hamlin, sent shockwaves through the league and raised concerns about the quarterback's long-term health.
Multiple experts have expressed their belief that Tagovailoa, who also suffered two concussions in the span of one month during the 2022 season, exhibited signs of a traumatic brain injury during the latest incident. The quarterback has admitted that he consulted with his family about his future in the NFL after his previous concussions, but he ultimately decided to continue playing.
Tua Tagovailoa's NFL Future in Jeopardy: Should He Walk Away from the Game?
However, the latest injury has prompted a chorus of voices calling for Tagovailoa to retire for his own safety. Pro sports peers, former NFL players, media pundits, and concerned fans have all expressed their belief that it's no longer worth it for Tagovailoa to risk further damage to his health.
Tagovailoa is now in the NFL's concussion protocol, and it is possible that he could eventually be cleared to return to the field. However, if he does not clear the protocol, he could be forced to retire. Such a decision would have significant financial implications for the Dolphins, who would have to pay out a substantial portion of Tagovailoa's $212.4 million contract if he is medically forced to retire.
Tua Tagovailoa's NFL Future in Jeopardy: Should He Walk Away from the Game?
Tagovailoa signed his contract in July after his previous concussions and admitted that he considered retirement after the 2022 season. However, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said at the time that he was not concerned about the quarterback's concussion history.
Grier cited offseason jiujitsu training as the solution to Tagovailoa's concussion concerns, claiming that it would teach him to fall and control his movements to prevent his head from hitting the turf too hard. However, some experts have questioned the efficacy of jiujitsu training in preventing concussions sustained during NFL games.
Tua Tagovailoa's NFL Future in Jeopardy: Should He Walk Away from the Game?
Tagovailoa trained with jiujitsu expert Ricardo Liborio during the 2023 offseason, but his latest injury occurred during a solo tackle by Hamlin. The quarterback's head collided with Hamlin's body, and he exhibited the "fencing response," a sign of head trauma.
Tagovailoa has 10 days to clear the league's concussion protocol. If he does not, the Dolphins could be forced to place him on injured reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games. Such a move could prompt the front office to start preparing for a future without Tagovailoa, who is one of the team's most important players.
Tua Tagovailoa's NFL Future in Jeopardy: Should He Walk Away from the Game?
The decision of whether or not to retire is ultimately up to Tagovailoa, but the latest concussion has undoubtedly cast a shadow over his future in the NFL. The quarterback's health and well-being must be the top priority, and it remains to be seen whether he will choose to continue playing or to walk away from the game he loves.
