Tagovailoa's Third Concussion Sparks Concerns About His Future

The Miami Dolphins quarterback left Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills after colliding with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin in the third quarter. This is the third known concussion for Tagovailoa in his NFL career, with all three occurring in the past two seasons. The injury raises serious concerns about the long-term health and future of the 26-year-old signal caller.

The Injury and Subsequent Reactions

Tagovailoa was rushing for a first down and initiated the contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin. Players from both teams immediately began gesturing that Tagovailoa needed medical attention as he lay on the turf. He remained down for a few minutes, got to his feet and walked to the sideline, before heading to the locker room.

The Dolphins announced that he would not return to the game. The injury has sparked widespread concern and debate, with many calling for Tagovailoa to prioritize his long-term health and consider retirement.

A History of Head Injuries

Tagovailoa has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career, including two concussions in 2022.

In April 2023, he revealed that he discussed with his family whether it was wise to continue playing after the two concussions in 2022.

Tagovailoa has also dealt with a number of other injuries, including rib fractures, a thumb injury, a fractured middle finger on his throwing hand, a high ankle sprain, and a dislocated right hip in college.

Former Players Weigh In

Many former players who have since become analysts are suggesting that Tagovailoa take a hard look at his long-term health. Former linebacker Manti Te'o, who has known Tagovailoa for years, said he hoped to see him leave the game after the concussion at Cincinnati in 2022. He said he's thinking of his parents, what they had to have gone through on Thursday night, as well as Tagovailoa's long-term ability to parent his own children.

"After he suffered the one against the Bengals, I wanted him to walk," Te'o said on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" on Friday, appearing to choke back tears after he said that. "What people have to understand is this is just a game. And then there's life."

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, on social media, shared a similar sentiment: "Think of the person not just the player."

Former receiver Dez Bryant was even more direct, saying it's time for the league to intervene. "That's it.... NFL go ahead and do the right thing," Bryant posted. "Tua has had entirely way too many concussions ... He need to retire for his longevity health concerns."

Looking Ahead

Tagovailoa will undergo a series of tests and assessments to determine the severity of his concussion. It is unclear how long he will be sidelined. The Dolphins will bring in another quarterback while Tagovailoa is out, with Skylar Thompson likely to take over as the starter.

The Dolphins are hoping that Tagovailoa will be able to return to the field, but the question remains: at what cost?

Should Tagovailoa Retire?

The debate over whether or not Tagovailoa should retire is complex. There are no easy answers. Many believe that Tagovailoa should prioritize his long-term health and consider walking away from the game.

However, there are also those who believe that Tagovailoa should continue to play as long as he feels physically and mentally able. Ultimately, the decision is up to Tagovailoa himself.

Tagovailoa's Legacy

Tagovailoa's career has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. He has shown flashes of greatness, but his career has also been plagued by injuries.

It remains to be seen how this latest concussion will impact his future.

The NFL's Role in Player Safety

The NFL has come under increasing scrutiny for its handling of player safety. Many have criticized the league for not doing enough to protect players from head injuries.

The league has implemented a number of concussion protocols, but these protocols have been criticized for being ineffective.

The NFL is facing a growing crisis, and it is clear that more needs to be done to protect players from the devastating long-term effects of head injuries.

What's Next?

Tagovailoa's future remains uncertain. It is unclear how long he will be sidelined, and it is unclear if he will ever return to the field.

One thing is certain: the NFL needs to do more to protect its players from head injuries. The health and safety of these athletes should be paramount.