After sitting out for six weeks, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his highly anticipated return to the field this Sunday. For many NFL fans, his comeback was nothing short of a miracle. But for others, it was a cause for concern. With a history of concussions—four in total, including three in just under two years—many pundits and even ex-players have suggested that Tua should hang up his cleats for good.
Yet, here we are. Tua is back, cleared to play, and has already faced the Arizona Cardinals. So, what’s driving him to continue playing despite the risks? And how does the NFL handle these situations, especially when player safety is a massive talking point? Let’s break it all down.
Why Didn’t Tua Tagovailoa Retire?
With three concussions in two years (and a fourth from his college days at Alabama), retirement was definitely a conversation for Tua. Last year, after suffering back-to-back concussions in 2022, Tua admitted he seriously considered walking away from the game. He consulted with his wife and family but ultimately decided to keep playing.
This time, the decision seemed more straightforward. Tua told reporters earlier this week that he didn’t need much outside advice to come back. “No one’s [medical] advice affected anything that I thought in terms of returning,” he said, adding that the only conversations he had were with his wife.
For Tua, the love of the game is undeniable. When asked about the risk involved, he shrugged it off, saying, “How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning and drive to work? There’s just risk in any and everything.”
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Inside The NFL’s Concussion Protocol
The NFL’s concussion protocol isn’t just a formality—it’s an intense, multi-step process. When a player shows signs of a concussion, they immediately undergo neurological tests both during and after the game. The game-day checklist is rigorous, but it doesn’t stop there. After a concussion, players like Tua must complete the “return-to-participation” protocol, which includes gradually ramping up physical activity under medical supervision until they’re cleared for full contact.
Despite the severity of Tua’s injuries, he successfully navigated each of these steps, clearing all medical hurdles set by the league. But does that mean he is fully out of the woods?
How Many Concussions Are Considered Too Many?
Tua’s case sparks a larger debate: How many concussions are too many for an athlete to continue playing? Research suggests that multiple concussions can have lasting effects, but there’s no definitive answer. Even medical experts remain cautious about predicting long-term impacts. Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, has gone on record saying, “No one has an absolute answer.” He emphasized that the risks aren’t just about the number of concussions but also about their severity, the recovery time between them, and the player’s overall health.
For now, it appears that Tua is comfortable with the risks. But the NFL and players’ union (NFLPA) are careful not to force decisions on athletes. They provide the best possible medical care and advice but allow players and their families to make the ultimate call.
Is The NFL Doing Enough?
The NFL has faced criticism for its handling of player safety, particularly concussions. However, in recent years, the league has introduced significant changes aimed at reducing head trauma. One of the latest innovations is the Guardian Cap, a padded shell worn over helmets that reduces the force of head collisions. While these caps have been used during pre-season practices, only a handful of players have opted to wear them during games. And Tua? He is not one of them.
When asked if he would consider wearing a Guardian Cap, Tua declined, citing personal preference. However, he switched to a quarterback-specific helmet, which ranks highest in the NFL’s annual safety tests.
Also Read: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Gets A Major Injury Update That Will Frighten A Lot Of Fans
The Bigger Picture: Tua Tagovailoa’s Love For Football
Tua’s decision to return to the field, even after multiple concussions, speaks volumes about his passion for the game. At just 26 years old, with a four-year, $212 million contract under his belt, Tua is determined to make the most of his NFL career. Despite the concerns from fans and analysts, Tua sees football as more than just a job—it is something he is willing to risk his life for.
For now, Tua is betting on his love for football over the risks involved. As fans, we can only hope that his health remains intact and that we witness more of his talent on the field for years to come.
Also Read: NFL Fans Are Worried For Tua Tagovailoa’s Life After His Concerning Comments At Press Conference
