Should Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Retire? Tony Gonzalez Weighs In

The Miami Dolphins face a waiting period until their next game on September 22, but this hiatus has only heightened speculation regarding the future of their injured quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Following a disappointing 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, concern over Tagovailoa’s health has taken center stage.

This recent setback marks at least the third concussion in Tagovailoa’s five-year NFL career. The incident raised alarms as he displayed a concerning “fencing” response, reminiscent of his previous injury during a prime-time game in Cincinnati two years ago. Tagovailoa was quickly ruled out after leaving the game against Buffalo, with his concussion diagnosis arriving much sooner than is typical for such injuries.

The speed of his diagnosis sparked immediate discussions about Tagovailoa, now 26 and a father, potentially considering retirement. Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, speaking on a postgame show, lamented, “It’s so sad, guy just got paid.” He continued to express deep concern for Tagovailoa’s well-being, suggesting that if he were in the quarterback’s position, he would seriously contemplate stepping away from football.

“Tua’s future? I’m thinking retirement here,” Gonzalez stated, underlining the severity of the situation. In 2023, Tagovailoa posted his best season yet, with 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns, and recently signed a lucrative four-year contract extension worth up to $212.4 million with $167 million guaranteed. However, the recent events have overshadowed his financial success and on-field performance.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel addressed the circumstances surrounding Tagovailoa’s injury, stating the team needs to focus on evaluating his condition rather than speculating about timelines or possible injured reserve placements. He emphasized the need for everyone to prioritize Tagovailoa as a teammate, saying, “We’ll get more information tomorrow and take it day by day from here.”

The gravity of Tagovailoa’s situation is stark compared to players dealing with chronic knee or shoulder injuries. Analyst Andrew Whitworth voiced significant concern regarding head injuries, emphasizing that while many injuries may have surgical solutions, brain trauma poses a much larger challenge. “There’s really not much you can ever do about that,” he explained.

The risks surrounding Tagovailoa had already escalated following the 2022 season, during which he suffered two concussions and was controversially cleared from concussion protocol in another game. In response, the NFL revised its protocols, mandating strict measures for players showing potential concussion symptoms, including balance issues.

Julie Stamm, a clinical assistant professor in Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, highlighted the increased vulnerability to concussions following previous injuries. She noted that while it’s difficult to quantify the exact increase in risk, the data indicates a significant concern for players with histories of concussions.

Dolphins backup quarterback Skylar Thompson expressed how unsettling it was to see Tagovailoa down on the field once again after what appeared to be a routine tackle. “I’ll tell you what, it makes me sick,” he said, emphasizing the deep bond he has with Tagovailoa, and reiterating that the person’s well-being is far more important than their role as a player.

Other players, including Bills quarterback Josh Allen, shared their concerns. Allen commented on Tagovailoa’s character, stating, “You can’t help but feel for him. He is a great football player, but he’s an even greater human being.” The emotional toll of the game was evident, as Allen reflected on the inherent dangers football poses.

The ongoing concerns surrounding Tagovailoa’s health have intensified conversations among players and analysts about whether continuing his career is worth the risk. Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman voiced his belief that Tagovailoa should prioritize his health and consider retiring, saying, “If I’m him – I think you gotta go home.”

As the Dolphins await further developments on Tagovailoa’s condition, the future of the talented quarterback remains uncertain and fraught with concern from fans, analysts, and fellow players alike.

Source: USA Today