Tua Tagovailoa, 26-year-old Miami Dolphins quarterback (QB), originally played at the University of Alabama. Tagovailoa is in his fifth season playing for the Dolphins and is currently in concussion protocol with his third confirmed concussion in his NFL career.
“He has likely already caused permanent damage as people that play collision sports at a high level are more likely to develop CTE [Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy],” Scott Selvidge, JHS Athletic Director, said.
Many fans are questioning whether Tagovailoa should return to playing football at all following his latest injury.
“I think he’s definitely made enough [money] to retire but at the same time, I know he would probably want to keep playing,” Kai Armitage, junior, said.
Tagovailoa would be risking his health even more if he decided to return and play football again. After a person gets their third concussion they are three to nine times more likely to get another one.
“I don’t think he should come back, the dolphins are probably going to advise him to retire because at this point it’s going to be dangerous for his health,” Jason Kresser, JHS assistant football coach, said.
Not only are Dolphins fans worried about Tagovailoa’s health, but they’re worried about what this means for the future of the team and how well the Dolphins are going to play this season.
“The main QB on each team is usually light years better than the backup, they will struggle playing with their backup,” Selvidge said.
Tagovailoas’s history with concussions has fans concerned about his playability. The Dolphins have signed a new contract with former Miami native Tyler Huntley. Some fans speculate this could mean the Dolphins are trying to replace Tagovailoa.
“I don’t think it’s as much to replace him but they need to have so many people on the roster at that position to be able to play,” Kresser said.
Playing football is a contact sport meaning injuries are going to happen regardless and could happen to anyone.
“[The Dolphins] have given him updated headgear and things like that so at this point I don’t think there is anything he can do,” Kresser said.
Guardian Caps are the updated headgear that NFL players use to reduce head injury. It’s a soft covering that wraps around the normal helmets to add an extra layer of protection.
“Most of the concussions that you see aren’t actually helmet to helmet. It’s from their head hitting the ground,” Kresser said.
Football is a contact sport which means the players are going to get hurt sometimes, it’s a part of the game.
“He plays a violent sport where every play has multiple hard-hitting collisions,” Selvidge said.
A common misconception about concussions is once you get one, there is no risk of getting more. In reality, the chances of getting another concussion after your first one go up significantly.
“It’s [concussions] just one of those things you have to be aware of,” Kresser said.
