Should Christian QB Tua Tagovailoa Retire After Most Recent Concussion?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Some are calling for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to retire from the game following yet another concussion which he got during a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
“In a scary moment during the third quarter, Tagovailoa was scrambling for a first down when he lowered his body into Bills safety Damar Hamlin. After the hit, the QB fell and went into a fencing response, with arms clenched and fingers curled. Dolphins offensive lineman Austin Jackson said he could tell by Tagovailoa’s eyes that the QB ‘wasn’t there all the way,'” Church Leaders reported.
Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a long series of concussions for the Christian quarterback. By 2022, he had two concussions and one big blow to the head.
Movieguide® previously reported on how he relied on his faith as he returned to the game:
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa puts his faith over any fears that concussions could affect his football career.
In a press conference in April, Tagovailoa spoke about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that could develop if he suffers another concussion, explaining that it “wasn’t going to be a problem” for him.
“It’s only when you’re constantly hitting your head against something,” he added. “So I think that tailors more towards linebackers, O-linemen, D-linemen—guys that are constantly going at it.”
Movieguide® previously reported that Tagovailoa “experienced a major concussion which caused him to miss the remainder of the season and jeopardized the future of his NFL career” in December 2022.
For Tagovailoa, his love for the game far exceeds his fear of getting hurt.
“I think I’m far, far ahead,” he told USA TODAY Sports. “It hasn’t been a thought ever since it’s happened. Ever since I’ve been cleared, it’s never been a thought to look back at that.”
Following the 2022 concussion, Tagovailoa contemplated retirement, but he said that his mom was a big reason why he didn’t give up just yet.
Instead, he dedicated the off-season ahead of the 2024 season to losing weight and gaining mobility so that he would be faster and more agile on the field.
However, with this being his third concussion, many fans are wondering if Tagovailoa should call it quits.
Head coach Mike McDaniel even said that Tagovailoa’s return to the game is “the furthest thing from my mind,” adding that the quarterback’s health and family come first.
Former NFL player Benjamin Watson encouraged Tagovailoa to seek God’s wisdom as he makes his decision.
“Though I’m grateful for each season I played, I sometimes wish I would have walked away earlier,” Watson posted on his X profile. “Perhaps it would have alleviated some of my current concern about my future health.”
“But in the moment many athletes believe that things will always get better, they can overcome any setback and there is more greatness to attain. The dogged determination that got us to the pinnacle can simultaneously be our worst enemy in decisions where objectively is a necessity. Every athlete has to count the cost; known and speculative. I pray Tua seeks the Lord in the coming days. May wisdom prevail,” he added.
Thinking about Tua right now. Everyone is going to have an opinion on what he should do with his career and that’s a tough position to be in. I wasn’t a star QB but I’ve been in that position several times; concussed, frozen and stumbling on the field while my family watched.…
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) September 13, 2024