Concussions can have a severe impact on an athlete’s career, and this is a major concern for Tua Tagovailoa, who plays quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. His repeated concussions raise important questions about his future in football. Tagovailoa has been in the spotlight due to his health issues. Throughout his career, he has suffered multiple concussions and has often been urged to consider retirement to prevent a more serious injury.
In the recent game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa suffered another concussion, marking the third one in the past 24 months. After taking a hit to his head and neck, he was unable to walk. Sadly, it’s unclear when he will be back on the field. Given his current contract, this uncertainty raises questions about the financial effects of his situation, especially if Tagovailoa decides to retire.
In July 2024, Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year contract extension worth $212.4 million, with $167.1 million guaranteed. This deal includes a $42 million signing bonus and large annual salaries, making him one of the top-paid quarterbacks in the league. Knowing the details of his contract is essential to understanding the financial impact of his possible retirement.
What Will The Financial Impact Of Retirement Be For Tua Tagovailoa?
If Tagovailoa retires and his retirement is classified as injury-related, the Dolphins would owe him about $167 million, according to The Sun. This amount includes the guaranteed part of his contract and the signing bonus he has already received. This classification would protect his financial interests, allowing him to keep the full value of his contract even if he stops playing.
On the other hand, if he retires and it is not classified as injury-related, the Dolphins would owe him around $90 million in addition to the signing bonus he has already received. Depending on the retirement agreement’s terms, the team might also try to get back some of the signing bonus. Tagovailoa has had major health issues throughout his career, including three documented concussions in five years.
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Impact Of Concussions On Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s Health And Financial Future
Tua Tagovailoa’s first concussion happened in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by another in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers. These injuries have raised severe concerns about his long-term health and career, leading him to think about retirement before. After his most recent concussion against the Bills, former players and analysts like Shannon Sharpe and Dez Bryant have publicly urged him to put his health first, emphasizing the risks of repeated head injuries.
If Tagovailoa decides to retire, he would be eligible for NFL retirement benefits, which include several financial safety nets. These benefits consist of a severance payment about a year after the player’s last game, extended medical coverage through the Player’s Insurance Plan, a Health Reimbursement Account Plan allowing him to save up to $450,000 for medical expenses, and a Disability Plan that covers Total and Permanent Disability, Line of Duty, and Neurocognitive Disability. These benefits could be significant for Tua Tagovailoa, mainly because of his history of concussions.
As Tagovailoa considers his future, the financial effects of his decision will be a key factor. Many NFL players have retired early due to concussion issues, choosing their long-term health over big contracts. Tagovailoa has also been working with a jiu-jitsu coach to learn how to protect himself better during falls, showing his commitment to improving his safety on the field.
Ultimately, if Tagovailoa retires, the financial impact could be significant depending on how his retirement is classified. If it is considered injury-related, he could keep a large portion of his contract, while a non-injury retirement might result in a much lower payout.
