Tua Tagovailoa is set to make his return to the football field this Sunday as the Miami Dolphins take on the Arizona Cardinals. The quarterback has been at the center of intense discussions surrounding brain injuries for the past two years. His concussion history dates back to a college football game at Alabama in 2019. In 2022, he experienced two diagnosed concussions, and a week prior to one of those, he displayed signs of imbalance after a hit, but was not diagnosed with a concussion, a decision that sparked criticism and prompted changes in NFL concussion protocols. Tagovailoa suffered another concussion in Week 2 of this season, marking at least four concussions in six years.
Following his latest injury, it was widely acknowledged that Tagovailoa’s return would be his own decision. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that he would not interfere with Tagovailoa’s choices regarding his health. This week, Tagovailoa passed the NFL’s concussion protocols and is ready to practice. While he is undoubtedly the Dolphins’ top quarterback, the team made sure to prioritize his health by placing him on injured reserve, requiring him to miss at least four games. Tagovailoa noted that the organization acted in his best interest.
It was anticipated that Tagovailoa would return quickly given his competitive nature; however, his press conference on Monday conveyed a deeper concern. When asked about those worrying for him, Tagovailoa stated, “I appreciate your concern… I love this game, and I love it to the death of me.” His words raised alarm, signaling an awareness of the potential risks of the sport he cherishes.
Despite his seemingly reckless passion for football, Tagovailoa went on to downplay the risks of concussions during the press conference, asserting that the conversation about them has escalated largely due to the scrutiny following his injuries. He remarked that the issue of concussions is unique within football compared to other sports like boxing and hockey, which take the physical dangers more seriously.
Tagovailoa’s assertion that discussions about head injuries emerged primarily due to his personal experiences overlooks a broader concern regarding athlete safety and education surrounding concussions. This has been a growing issue across many sports, with evidence increasingly linking recurrent concussions to serious long-term health issues.
In discussing the potential ramifications of additional concussions, Tagovailoa referenced the “gray area” concerning the long-term effects of brain injuries, echoing sentiments that offer little clarity on the severity of the risks. He reiterated a belief that risk is part of life, comparing driving to playing football: “Everything… takes risk,” he stated, downplaying the unique risks football players face compared to daily activities.
While he is free to conduct himself as he chooses upon his return, Tagovailoa opted not to use protective gear designed to minimize concussion risks. He expressed a desire to play intelligently and remain available for his team, but acknowledged that his latest concussion occurred during a running play where he collided with a defender.
Ultimately, Tagovailoa has the right to make decisions regarding his safety and career. He has indicated that he does not pay attention to outside opinions on his future. However, as he continues to navigate the discussion surrounding head injuries, his responsibility extends beyond personal choice; his words could significantly influence how future athletes perceive risks related to concussions.