Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is scheduled to see a neurologist this week after sustaining yet another concussion, his third within the NFL. This visit marks a serious recurring health concern for Tagovailoa, as this is his fourth diagnosed concussion over a span of five years. Despite the string of injuries, Tagovailoa is apparently not considering retirement and is currently focused on recovery and information gathering, as WSVN reported yesterday.
The latest concussion came during a game against the Buffalo Bills, where Tagovailoa, on a scramble, lowered his head, leading to a collision with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Since the incident, voices from within the football community have been quick to suggest that Tagovailoa should perhaps contemplate hanging up his cleats. In a statement obtained by U.S. News, former players and current Raiders coach Antonio Pierce shared their opinions about Tagovailoa's future.
However, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has urged the public and media to refrain from speculating on Tagovailoa's career future. “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 expressed in a sentiment that highlights the sensitivity of such career determinations. He has emphasized the quarterback's autonomy over his career decisions, according to WSVN and U.S. News.
While concern for Tagovailoa's long-term health is inevitable, McDaniel has underlined his stance, telling U.S. News, "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." He continued to explain that bringing up the subject of Tagovailoa's future in football is not in the best interest of the player during his recovery process. McDaniel has steadfastly refused to offer any thoughts on whether Tagovailoa should continue to play, instead putting the quarterback's well-being as the priority.
The Miami Dolphins, along with the NFL at large, continue to grapple with the serious issue of concussions, which remains a high-stakes topic amid growing awareness of long-term brain injuries linked to the sport. Tagovailoa's health and decisions moving forward will be closely watched.
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