During last Thursday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion, a frightening event that reignited discussions about his long-term health and future in the NFL. Upon impact with the turf, Tagovailoa immediately assumed a fencing position—a telltale sign of a serious head injury.
This latest concussion adds to a troubling pattern for the young quarterback, who suffered multiple concussions during the 2022 season. At that time, many fans and analysts alike urged him to consider retiring from football to protect his future health.
After managing to stay relatively healthy throughout the 2023 season, Tagovailoa entered this fall with renewed optimism. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Dolphins without further injury setbacks. However, Thursday’s game was a devastating reminder of the risks he continues to face, and it has brought the question of his future in the NFL back to the forefront.
Now, many are wondering what Tagovailoa should do moving forward. One prominent voice in the conversation is Dr. Bennet Omalu, the renowned neuropathologist who first discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and has been a leading advocate for player safety. According to Omalu, Tagovailoa should seriously consider retirement for the sake of his long-term health.
“If I were his brother, his father, his uncle, cousin, nephew, if I were a member of his family,” Omalu said in an interview with TMZ Sports, “I would beg him to retire.”
Omalu didn’t stop there—he also questioned the Miami Dolphins’ responsibility in the situation. “As the corporation placing him back to play, knowing fully well… that there is a significant and substantial risk that this individual could suffer subsequent catastrophic and permanent brain damage—then why would you place him back to play?”
Omalu’s comments have sparked even more debate about player safety in the NFL, where concussions and head injuries remain a major concern despite advancements in protective equipment and protocols. His stance aligns with those of other high-profile individuals who believe Tagovailoa should prioritize his long-term health over his career.
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce echoed Omalu’s concerns, offering blunt advice when asked about Tagovailoa’s situation. “I’ll be honest—I’d just tell him to retire,” Pierce said. “It’s not worth it. It’s not worth it to play the game. I’ve never witnessed anything like what has happened to him three times. It’s scary. You can see the faces of the players on the field. You can see the sense of urgency from everyone to get Tua help. I just think at some point you need to realize you’re gonna live longer than you’ll play football. Take care of your family.”
While Pierce’s comments highlight the gravity of Tagovailoa’s repeated concussions, the Dolphins have not yet indicated that they are ready to move on from their star quarterback. Miami has consistently expressed confidence in Tagovailoa’s abilities and potential, and there has been no official word on whether they plan to sideline him for the remainder of the season. However, the ongoing debate raises important questions about the balance between player safety and the high stakes of professional football.
Tagovailoa’s situation is a sobering reminder that, at the end of the day, certain things are far more important than the game. The long-term health implications of repeated concussions are well-documented, with conditions like CTE posing serious risks for players later in life. As the Dolphins and Tagovailoa’s inner circle contemplate his future, the decision may ultimately come down to weighing the potential consequences of continuing to play against the promise of a bright future off the field.
For now, Tagovailoa remains one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the NFL, but the pressure to make a difficult choice about his career grows with each head injury.
As more voices, including medical experts and former players, urge him to think about life beyond football, only time will tell what decision he will make regarding his future in the league.
