Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is facing health concerns after multiple concussions last season that put his NFL career in jeopardy. His series of concussions raises questions about his health, as well as about the protocols the league has for these types of injuries.
Tagovailoa’s concussion concerns began in 2022, when, on September 25 at Miami’s Hard Rock stadium against the Buffalo Bills, linebacker Matt Milano was called for roughing the passer; he shoved Tagovailoa to the ground, resulting in the QB hitting his head on the turf. Tagovailoa stumbled when he got up, prompting him to exit the game early. He was evaluated by an independent neurologist and cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocols.
After being cleared to return, Tagovailoa entered a week four, Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the second quarter, Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou tackled Tagovailoa to the ground in an aggressive fashion. Tagovailoa slammed his head on the floor. He was eventually stretchered off the field. This was Tagovailoa’s first confirmed concussion of his career. This sparked outrage from the fans and the media over how he was cleared to return. His injuries became a topic for conversation oabout player safety and the severity of concussions.
Against the Green Bay Packers, ten weeks after his first confirmed concussion, Tua Tagovailoa was cleared to return. In the second quarter, Tua Tagovailoa was tackled from behind by Kingsley Enagbare, resulting in another concussion. With Tagovailoa’s second confirmed concussion of his career, the Miami Dolphins rested him for the rest of the season.
The Dolphins had to reevaluate their treatment protocols. Tagovailoa himself has looked for medical advice from experts and has considered his long-term well-being; at the same time, Tagovailoa picked up Jujitsu to learn how to protect himself better. “I want to make sure I’m healthy and that I can live a full life beyond football,” Tagovailoa said in an interview with ESPN in April 2023.
But with his most recent injury, on September 13, Antonio Pierce, the Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders said in an interview with ESPN: “I’d tell him to retire.” Many other prominent figures, as well as students on campus, agree with Pierce’s comment.
“Tua [Tagovailoa] should absolutely retire, keep the guaranteed money and live life,” said Jack Wilson, a junior at Williston from San Francisco.
On the other hand, Dean Ruksnaitis, a junior at Williston from Paxton, Mass., said, “Although Tua [Tagovailoa] is not an elite quarterback, I believe he still needs to create a legacy for himself. Football is not about the money at this point, for him it is to make a name for himself.”
Mike McDaniel, the Miami Dolphins Head Coach, is not taking a stance either. “[It would be] wrong of me to even sniff that subject,” he said.
Dean, who plays on the Williston football team, does not feel the NFL needs to update its concussion protocols.
“Injuries are part of the game, although players’ health is concern, it is also on the players to be able to protect themselves,” he said.
