This latest injury has reignited conversations around player safety, particularly for Tagovailoa, who endured multiple concussions during the 2022 season. Former players like Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant, along with Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, have publicly suggested that Tagovailoa should seriously consider retirement for the sake of his long-term health. They emphasize that while football is a passion, it’s not worth risking his future well-being, especially given his history of head injuries.
The calls for Tua to step away from the game are not just coming from outsiders—former teammate Manti Te’o expressed deep concern, urging Tagovailoa to prioritize his health. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce echoed this sentiment, advising that Tua should “take care of your family” and consider retiring while he’s still relatively young.
The broader concern here is not just for Tua’s immediate return to the field, but for the long-term implications of repeated concussions. Concussions in the NFL are always a significant issue, but for a player with a history like Tagovailoa’s, every additional head injury compounds the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other long-term neurological damage.
As Tua undergoes further evaluations, the debate surrounding his future in football will continue. The Dolphins will undoubtedly take every precaution moving forward, but the bigger question looms: How much more can Tua, and the NFL, afford to risk?
