Sept. 15 – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has no intention of retiring, despite being told to do so by former players and a prominent doctor after a recent injury spree, the NFL Network reported Sunday.
Tagovailoa, 26, was injured Thursday night against the Bills, at least his third injury in four NFL seasons, when he was tackled by a Buffalo safety on fourth down. He walked off the field after being treated by medical staff.
According to the NFL Network, Tagovailoa has begun seeing a doctor who specializes in treating concussions, with the ultimate goal being a return to the field. Head coach McDaniels said there is no timetable for Tagovailoa’s return and that his main concern is not as a person but as a player.
The quarterback missed five games in 2022 because of two injuries.
That history has former players — one of whom is a current NFL head coach — concerned about their future.
“Honestly, I would tell him to retire. It’s not worth it,” Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said. “I think at some point he’ll outlive him by playing football. Take care of your family.”
“I hope Tua recovers, but he has to seriously consider shutting it down,” Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe wrote on social media.
Dr. Bennet Omalu, who inspired the 2015 film “Concussion,” told TMZ Sports that Tagovailoa could be “permanently disabled” if he continues to play, adding that if he suffers a concussion, the effects could have “catastrophic consequences.”
“If I were his brother, his father, his uncle, cousin, nephew or any member of his family, I would beg him to retire,” Omalu said.
The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and re-signed him to a four-year, $212.4 million contract this offseason.
During his career, Tagovailoa appeared in 55 games and compiled a 33–20 record as a starter. He completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 13,122 yards, 83 touchdowns, and 40 interceptions.
——Visual-level media
