As night fell on September 12, Dr. Julian Bailes, a prominent neurosurgeon and concussion specialist, prepared to watch a football game. Just as the Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another head injury, Bailes was reminded of a similar incident from the previous season. Tagovailoa was seen lying on the field, exhibiting the “fencing response,” a reflex following a brain injury. This situation mirrored a previous game where he was also hurt.
Bailes consulted with the Dolphins during Tagovailoa’s series of concussions two years ago, which ultimately ended his season early after he sustained another concussion on Christmas Day. He expressed concern about the quarterback’s playing style, suggesting that Tagovailoa’s aggressive approach contributed to his head injuries. “Same guy, same susceptibility and same style of play,” Bailes said.
With three diagnosed concussions over two years and significant media attention on his health, pundits have debated the risks of playing while Tagovailoa’s future hangs in the balance. After being declared fit to play again, Tagovailoa confidently addressed the media, stating he plans to resume practice and rejected any additional head protection, calling it his “personal choice.”
He emphasized his passion for the game, asserting, “I love this game, and I love it to the death of me.” Despite concerns, he expressed no intentions of retirement, stating that option has never crossed his mind.
Bailes, who is not directly involved in Tagovailoa’s current case, voiced lingering concerns about whether the quarterback should take a more extended period of rest, especially after experiencing multiple concussions in such a short timeframe.
Experts and former NFL players interviewed have voiced opinions on Tagovailoa’s situation without a consensus about retirement being the necessary step. They acknowledged the nuanced nature of concussion management in athletes, particularly someone like Tagovailoa.
Prominent figures from the sports world, including Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and former players, have openly suggested Tagovailoa consider retirement for his health, underscoring broader concerns surrounding athlete safety amidst repetitive head trauma in football.
Meanwhile, Tagovailoa has become a figure emblematic of the toll football can take on players. His journey has included overcoming significant injuries prior to his NFL career, including a notable hip injury during his time at Alabama. After a challenging 2021 season and subsequent head injuries in 2022, he managed to have a concussion-free 2023 season until the recent incident.
As discussions around player safety evolve, Tagovailoa’s experience has prompted reflection from both current and former players about their health and the sports culture. Dr. Dan Daneshvar, a leading voice in brain injuries, emphasized that concussions might only be part of a broader picture of brain health, voicing the need for careful consideration of risks for players like Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa’s path forward is laden with pressure and scrutiny, as the NFL grapples with ensuring player safety while allowing athletes to pursue their passions. His continued journey will likely shape conversations around health and longevity in sports for years to come.