Tua Tagovailoa Contemplates Retirement After Suffering Multiple Concussions

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa revealed that he had contemplated retirement after experiencing multiple concussions during the 2022 season.

In a recent statement to reporters, Tagovailoa shared that he had discussed the possibility with his family and wife, but ultimately decided to continue playing due to his love for the game and his desire to set an example for his son. “Having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife, and having those kinds of conversations, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game,” he said, as reported by NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.

Tagovailoa expressed his lifelong dream of playing football for as long as he could, so that his son could witness and understand his father’s passion. “I always dreamed of playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do,” he added. He also emphasized that he loves the game of football and if he didn’t, he would have quit a long time ago.

Despite missing the final two games of the regular season and the playoffs due to a concussion suffered in Week 16, Tagovailoa confirmed that he would have welcomed the opportunity to play if he had been cleared, according to Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. He spent 37 days in the league’s concussion protocol from late December to January.

Tagovailoa mentioned that doctors and specialists reassured him that he is not at a higher risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or serious head injuries in the upcoming season, which influenced his decision to continue playing, as reported by Wolfe.

In his first year under head coach Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa posted career-high statistics, passing for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns, and leading the NFL with a quarterback rating of 105.5 in his third season. The Miami Dolphins have also exercised the fifth-year option in Tagovailoa’s rookie contract, guaranteeing him $23.2 million for the 2024 season.