NFL fans and former players are once again urging Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to consider retiring after suffering another concerning concussion during Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
With just three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Tagovailoa sustained a brutal hit that left him motionless on the field, reigniting fears about his long-term health and future in the league.
The incident occurred after a hard collision with Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
As Tagovailoa attempted to rise, his arms stiffened in a hauntingly unnatural position, a sight eerily reminiscent of his previous concussions.
The Dolphins’ medical team quickly rushed to his aid, escorting him off the field. His wife and two children accompanied him as he was taken for immediate medical evaluation.
Within minutes, broadcasters confirmed the worst: Tagovailoa had suffered a concussion and would not return to the game.
For many fans, this was an all-too-familiar scenario. In 2022, he suffered two concussions in rapid succession, sparking widespread concern about his career and health.
The stadium fell silent as players from both teams knelt, a stark reminder of the risks associated with the sport.
This marked Tagovailoa’s third official concussion – although there is plenty of speculation that he’s suffered more than that over the course of his young career.
One of the most vocal voices on the issue was former NFL star Dez Bryant, who took to social media to express his concerns.
“That’s it… NFL go ahead and do the right thing. Tua has had entirely way too many concussions. He need to retire for his longevity health concerns,” Bryant posted on X.
Interestingly, the never-serious Antonio Brown also took a moment to express his sincere thoughts on the matter.
“In all seriousness … Tua may want to rethink playing football in the future depending on severity … Concussions not something to mess with.”
Tagovailoa’s injury history has come to represent the NFL’s ongoing struggle with concussion management.
Critics have questioned whether the Dolphins organization has done enough to protect their star quarterback, especially given the pattern of recurring injuries.
This latest concussion has only deepened concerns that Tagovailoa’s future in the sport is coming at too great a cost.
Of course, there’s a ton of financial ramifications in any potential decision Tagovailoa makes…
As the debate surrounding Tagovailoa’s future continues, many are left wondering if his undeniable talent is being overshadowed by the increasing risk to his health.
While backup quarterback Skylar Thompson took over in Thursday’s game, all eyes remained on Tagovailoa and his potential next steps.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
Do you think people are getting carried away with the whole retirement talk and think the concussion drama is being overblown? … Or do you think he should seriously consider leaving the sport???