Not even a fourth concussion will keep Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from the game he loves, according to the player.
While speaking with reporters ahead of a possible return to the field on Sunday, Tagovailoa addressed concerns about his health by essentially saying there is no way he will retire from the game anytime soon.
“I appreciate your concern. I really do. I love this game. And I love it to the death of me. That’s it,” Tagovailoa told reporters on Monday, via CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
The Dolphins quarterback also said he will not wear a Guardian Cap as he prepares for his first NFL game since September when he sustained his fourth career concussion. Tagovailoa added he has been currently symptom-free since the day after the fourth concussion and is willing to play the odds with his return to the field, per ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe.
Tua Tagovailoa on those who worry he could get hurt again: “I appreciate your concern. I really do. I love this game. And I love it to the death of me. That’s it.” pic.twitter.com/fAvoHA2PXo
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 21, 2024
Tua Tagovailoa says he won’t wear a guardian cap on his helmet because of personal choice. He says he needs to be more available for his team. pic.twitter.com/qDolvRjKnV
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 21, 2024
Tua Tagovailoa said he has been symptom free since the day after his concussion. He says none of the talk about being suggesting he should retire has bothered him. He wants to play and will play. pic.twitter.com/bvx2pfoOp0
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 21, 2024
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa on returning to play football: “How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning and drive to work? You can get in a car accident… There is risk in any & everything. I’m willing to play odds.” pic.twitter.com/idWfNtb2qr
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 21, 2024
While Tagovailoa said he’s got to be “smart” with his on-field decisions to stay available for his team, he also didn’t seem all that concerned about the long-term effects of his concussion history, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Tua Tagovailoa asked if the possible effects of repeat concussions has been discussed with him. He said yes but that there’s “gray area” regarding long-term effects. “(Playing football) is what I love to do. This is what makes me happy. And I’m going to do it.” https://t.co/lVhr7TdoqE
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 21, 2024
Tagovailoa’s health history is deeply concerning without this most recent concussion to factor into the equation.
The fact that his return to football is all but guaranteed right now and that he will not take take advantage of a Guardian Cap to better protect himself should give the Dolphins organization major pause.
While it’s never easy for a team to advocate for a quarterback you just gave a major contract not to play, Miami is essentially playing Russian roulette by sending Tagovailoa back onto the field this season.
For a violent sport like football where you’re already a bad hit away from severe injury, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins really are taking seismic risk by returning to football so soon, if not in general.
What happens if he is concussed again? Could a fifth be the tipping point to major, irreversible injury? Could it even be fatal in the worst-case scenario?
If Miami lets him go back out on the field without any added protections at the very least, the franchise is as culpable in what happens next as the player. It’s not going to be easy to watch this unfold.
If anything, we’ll be watching between our fingers, just hoping and praying Tagovailoa stays healthy.
