Should Tua Tagovailoa leave the NFL? | The Herd
The Buffalo Bills beat the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, but the biggest takeaway was that Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion during the loss. Colin Cowherd discusses the ramifications of the injury and whether Tua should retire.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa He has suffered a series of concussions over the past 24 months.
The latest head injury occurred during the Dolphins' first Thursday Night Football game of the season, a 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Collision with Bills safety Damar Hamlin The quarterback suffered a concussion in the second half and was diagnosed with his third concussion since joining the NFL.
Thursday's health scare has reignited debate about whether the 26-year-old quarterback should retire from football. Former professional wrestler and Harvard football player, neuroscientist Chris Nowinski, weighed in on Tagovailoa's situation.
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Miami Dolphins player Tua Tagovailoa (No. 1) watches before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on September 12, 2024. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Nowinski said he believes the Dolphins point guard suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the contact during the play on Thursday.
“There is no doubt that Tua suffered a traumatic brain injury on this play.” Nowinski wrote “His right arm is in a 'fencing position' indicating loss of consciousness and is severe to the extent of a #concussion. He will miss tonight's match and will be unavailable for the next match,” the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, read.
Dolphins player Tua Tagovailoa faces NFL retirement request after recent concussion: 'It's not worth it'
Nowinski last competed for WWE in 2003 under the ring name Chris Harvard. Since retiring from professional competition, Nowinski has become one of the most prominent voices on concussion awareness.
He also holds a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from Boston University.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) receives an assist on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Meanwhile, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has called for Tagovailoa to retire from the NFL, citing his “longevity” and “health concerns.”
Following the recent head injury, other former players have also spoken out, including three-time Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe: “I truly hope Tua is OK, but he should seriously consider resting. I'm afraid to say this, his concussion is getting worse and worse and he's a young man with a lot of life ahead of him.” [sic]” Sharp wrote In a social media post.
Nowinski did not call for Tagovailoa to immediately end his playing career, but instead stressed the importance of him recovering from a recent head injury.
“There's no magic number for the number of concussions that requires retirement,” he said. “It all depends on how he recovers from this one, but too many concussions can lead to chronic conditions and mental illness. He's in a very tough situation.”
Miami Gardens, Florida, USA, September 12, 2024: Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field with training staff after suffering an apparent injury during the second half of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images)
Nowinski also pointed out the predicament doctors could find themselves in if they encourage Tagovailoa to quit medicine.
“This is a hard truth,” Nowinski said. “Doctors who recommend retirement for a star player without symptoms lasting more than a year, a brain bleed or significant MRI changes could be blacklisted. Many doctors might recommend retirement for Tua simply because he has frequent concussions. Tua might not see those doctors.”
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Tagovailoa was running with the ball for a first down in the third quarter of Thursday's game, but instead of sliding, he lowered his shoulder as Hamlin approached. The 26-year-old point guard remained on the turf for several minutes while medical staff treated him. Tagovailoa was eventually able to walk to the Dolphins sideline.
The Dolphins plan to keep another quarterback on the roster until Tagovailoa recovers from his recent concussion, but Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear that Tagovailoa's health is everyone's top concern.
Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson is likely to start for Miami against Chicago. Seattle Seahawks September 22nd.
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