Tua Tagovailoa has been taking judo classes in order to protect himself from head injuries as he falls after the Miami Dolphins quarterback suffered several high-profile concussions during the 2022 NFL season.
Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol once more after falling 26-20 to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day. He appeared to bounce his head off the turf in the second half, subsequently throwing three interceptions in the loss to the Packers.
Many NFL fans and figures are concerned for his health going forwards, with some even calling for him to retire after he suffered his third head injury of the season. Back in September, Tagovailoa was hospitalised due to a second head injury in successive games, suffering a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals just days after taking a scary hit against the Buffalo Bills.
As he laid on the pitch against the Bengals, Tagovailoa’s fingers displayed the ‘fencing response’ which traditionally signifies a serious neurological issue. Shortly afterwards, the NFL and NFLPA announced they would review the concussion protocol with a new rule implemented.
The consultant who cleared Tagovailoa following a check against the Bills was also fired, while Dr Bennet Omalu - the first doctor to discover and publish findings on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American Football players - urged Tagovailoa to retire immediately. However, Tagovailoa revealed recently he is set to use judo techniques to ensure he protects his head when he falls and the quarterback’s preparation has been corroborated by Dolphins fullback Alex Ingold.
“We've got a plan set up. I'll be doing judo on Fridays just so that I can kind of figure out understanding my body and how to fall,” Tagovailoa said on FanDuel’s Up & Adams. “I’m not trying to be a dangerous person in that way, just trying to help myself.”
While speaking to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday, Ingold confirmed Tagovailoa had been 'taking judo' classes and added: “I have no doubt that man is going to be on a mission next year. He’s going to be very deliberate about this comeback and I’m excited to watch.”
When he was on the field, Tagovailoa enjoyed a fine 2022 in which he appeared to silence critics who questioned his ability heading into the season as he led the NFL in passer rating. He was named as an AFC first alternate for next week’s Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, but has been ruled out while he remains in concussion protocol.
There have been no setbacks in Tagovailoa’s recovery as the Dolphins aim to prioritise his long-term health after the third-year quarterback set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. The Dolphins quarterback was also the top vote-getter in Pro Bowl fan voting.
Last month, Miami general manager Chris Grier said the team are heading into the 2023 season planning for Tagovailoa to start. The franchise do not believe his concussions will make him more vulnerable to head injuries moving forwards.
The Dolphins have a May 1 deadline to exercise the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa's rookie contract after the franchise selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa clearly has a lot of respect for the organisation, insisting he was glad the Dolphins made him wait before he could get back to the field.
“(Miami) never allowed me to go through protocol normally until the season was done," Tagovailoa told USA Today. “They were protecting me from myself. Me and my family are very thankful for the Dolphins.”
