Tua Tagovailoa's recent scary concussion isn't going to deter him from wanting to get back on the football field.
The Dolphins quarterback has “no plans to retire,” according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Reported He was carried off on a stretcher Sunday morning with a gruesome concussion after leaving Miami's loss to the Bills on Thursday, also on a Thursday night.
According to Rapoport, Tagovailoa is already considering a return and has begun seeing specialists.
The 26-year-old was injured Thursday after he lowered his head while charging for a first down and was tackled by Bills safety Damar Hamlin. He was hit by a fence but was able to walk off the field.
Tagovailoa's concussion in Week 4 of 2022 came four days after he stumbled while getting up from the ground, causing head concern.
It was later confirmed that he suffered a second concussion in a Christmas Day game against the Packers later that season.
Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions, including one in 2019 during his final season at Alabama.
His recent brain injury has caused concern around the NFL, with some thinking he should retire from the game.
Tua Tagovailoa concussion aftermath
“Honestly, it's a no-brainer for me,” Tony Gonzalez said on Amazon's postgame show about Tagovailoa retiring. “I try to put myself in that situation. That's what you do as a player. Injuries are an unfortunate part of this sport. … This could have long-term effects.”
“For me, it's like, 'I've had a great career and it's time to move on.'”
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce also said he was “telling Tagovailoa to retire,” adding that “it is not worth it for him to continue playing.”
“I've been to games and I've never seen anything like what happened to him three times. It's horrifying,” Pierce told reporters on Friday. “You can see it right away in the faces of the guys on the field. You can see the urgency to get Tua help. I think at some point he's going to outlive playing football. Take care of your family.”
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins in July and received $167.2 million in guaranteed money after throwing for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 17 games last season and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
Skylar Thompson will be Miami's quarterback while Tagovailoa is out.
