The issue of concussions in the NFL is back in the spotlight after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another head injury last Thursday. Tua, who had two concussions in 2022, managed to stay healthy last season, even leading Miami to the playoffs, which earned him a new long-term contract. But the 26-year-old from Hawaii is facing trouble again after suffering his third concussion in under two years, marking the fourth of his career, including his college days.
Now, with many experts and former players urging him to retire, there’s even talk that the NFL should step in and make the decision for him. The league now faces tough questions as they grapple with potentially losing a franchise quarterback at the height of his career.
Should Tua Tagovailoa Retire?
Tagovailoa is currently under the NFL’s return-to-participation protocol, a five-step process designed to ensure players are thoroughly evaluated before returning to action. This protocol involves assessments by both a team physician and an independent neurological consultant (INC). These medical professionals will consider Tagovailoa’s medical history, including his previous concussions and past head injuries. Only after clearing these steps can he return to the field.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has emphasized that Tagovailoa’s return to the field is not his primary concern now. McDaniel stated, “The timeline for his return is the furthest thing from my mind” because he focuses on Tagovailoa’s overall health and well-being. Once medically cleared, the decision to resume playing will rest entirely on Tagovailoa.
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Is Tua Tagovailoa Considering Retirement?
In 2022, after suffering two concussions in a single season, Tagovailoa admitted he considered retirement. His concussions led to serious concerns about his long-term health. At that time, Tagovailoa was still playing under his rookie contract, which was worth $30 million. Despite this early contemplation of leaving the game, Tagovailoa signed a new four-year deal worth $212 million. The lucrative contract reflects his talent and the Dolphins’ faith in his future as their quarterback.
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Tagovailoa’s situation mirrors other NFL players who retired early to protect their health. Andrew Luck, one of the most high-profile examples, retired in 2019 at 29, citing his physical health as the reason. Other notable early retirements due to concussion concerns include Jordan Reed (30), Luke Kuechly (28), Chris Borland (24), and AJ Tarpley (23). Each of these players faced significant concussion issues and opted to step away from the game for their long-term well-being.
How Many Concussions Are Considered Too Many?
The question of how many concussions a player can endure before it becomes too dangerous remains a complicated and unresolved issue. In 2015, the NFL addressed this topic but admitted that there is no definitive answer. A neuropsychologist speaking for the NFL at the time stated bluntly, “We don’t know,” due to a lack of comprehensive data.
Many widely accept that three concussions can cause lasting, detrimental effects. This belief traces back to a 1952 study, which recommended players avoid further body-contact trauma after three concussions. A 2023 study led by teams at the University of Oxford and the University of Exeter further supported this view. The research revealed that individuals who had sustained three or more concussions displayed significantly worse cognitive function than those who had fewer or no concussions.
Despite these findings, the NFL has cautioned against adopting a rigid “three-concussion policy.” The concern is that setting a fixed number could deter athletes from reporting concussion symptoms. The current approach allows independent medical personnel to monitor players and trigger concussion protocols whenever they suspect a head injury, regardless of the player’s self-reporting.
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Is The NFL Doing Enough To Prevent Concussions?
The NFL has made significant strides in addressing the issue of concussions since acknowledging their long-term impact in 2009. After settling a $1 billion lawsuit in 2015 to compensate former players suffering from concussion-related issues, the league committed $100 million to medical and engineering research. This investment has led to various technological advancements aimed at improving player safety.
One of the most impactful innovations has been the introduction of Guardian Caps. These padded covers fit over players’ helmets and reduce the force of head impacts during collisions. Since their introduction, concussions among players wearing these caps have dropped by nearly 50%. Initially, the NFL mandated the use of Guardian Caps in pre-season practice. Now, players can wear them in regular season games, providing additional protection against head injuries.
In addition to the Guardian Caps, the NFL has also developed position-specific helmets tailored to the unique head impact risks different players face. For instance, quarterbacks, who often hit the back of their heads on the turf, now have helmets designed to protect that area. The league continues to tweak game rules to minimize dangerous plays, such as adjusting kick-off rules to reduce high-speed collisions.
Was The Helmet Tua Tagovailoa Wearing Good Enough?
In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa switched to a quarterback-specific helmet that offered additional protection for the back of the head. This was in response to his concussion history, which involved repeated head impacts. However, it’s unclear whether Tagovailoa wore one of the newer, more advanced helmet models during his latest concussion incident. Guardian Caps, while effective, was not in use during the game, and the specific helmet model he wore has not been publicly confirmed.
Despite these innovations, concussion numbers in the NFL remain a concern. Data shows that from 2020 to 2023, the number of concussions has steadily risen each year. In the latest season, 219 concussions were reported, up from 213 the previous year. NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills attributed the increase partly to the broader scope of concussion protocols, which has resulted in more assessments and diagnoses.
To combat this ongoing issue, the NFL tests helmets annually and publishes a ranking of helmet performance. In the 2023 season, the NFL introduced 12 new helmet models and rated five as the best-performing ever tested. Additionally, they prohibited six older models due to poor safety performance. While Guardian Caps have reduced concussion risks, the NFL has stated that certain helmets offer comparable—if not better—protection than pairing a helmet with a cap.
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