Tua Tagovailoa’s NFL Future: No Plans to Retire Despite Multiple Concussions
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has made it clear that he has no intention of retiring from the NFL, despite suffering his third concussion in the past three years. According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tagovailoa is focused on recovery and plans to return to the field once cleared by doctors. “Tua Tagovailoa has no plans to retire, sources say,” Rapoport wrote. “He’s already begun seeing concussion specialists and will continue to do so, but there is no timeline to return.”
Tagovailoa, who is entering his fifth year as the Dolphins’ starter, is determined to continue his career, though it remains unclear when that will be. Rapoport added that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has refrained from setting a timetable for his quarterback’s return. “The goal is to get on the field when he is ready,” Rapoport said. “That’s one reason Mike McDaniel would not put a timeline on it. Wouldn’t even address it. Timelines lead to anxiety.”
Tagovailoa’s most recent concussion occurred in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the Buffalo Bills. While scrambling on a fourth-down play, he collided head-first with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The impact resulted in Tagovailoa displaying “fencing position” symptoms, similar to the concussion he sustained in a 2022 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The eerie resemblance between the two injuries reignited speculation about the possibility of Tagovailoa stepping away from football. However, the 26-year-old signal-caller remains committed to the game.
In April 2023, Tagovailoa openly acknowledged that he had considered retirement after the 2022 season, following two concussions during the NFL season. During a press conference, he spoke candidly about the conversations he had with his family, saying, “Yeah, I think I considered it for a time. Having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife and having those kinds of conversations, but, really, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game with how old I am." Tagovailoa emphasized that his love for football and the dream of playing long enough for his son to see him on the field influenced his decision to continue his career. He noted, "If I didn’t [love the game], I would’ve quit a long time ago."
As Tagovailoa deals with his fourth diagnosed concussion in five years, including his final collegiate season at Alabama, his immediate focus is on his recovery. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the quarterback is scheduled to meet with neurologists in the coming days. Once he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol, he will face significant decisions regarding his health and career. One such decision involves the financial ramifications of continuing or retiring. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Tagovailoa recently signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins in July 2023, which does not include any concussion-related provisions.
Out of the total $212.4 million, approximately $167 million is guaranteed for injury. Tagovailoa has already received $43 million, but if he is cleared to play and chooses to retire, he stands to forfeit the remaining $124 million. Despite the potential risks and the uncertainties surrounding his future in football, Tagovailoa is determined to return to the game he loves. While his timeline remains uncertain, his commitment to playing again is unwavering. As the NFL and medical professionals continue to monitor his progress, Tagovailoa’s eventual return could have significant implications for both his career and the Dolphins' future.
