Tua Tagovailoa contemplated retiring from football following a sequence of head injuries in the previous season.
After being questioned by many if it was safe for Tua Tagovailoa to continue playing quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, it was revealed that he was diagnosed with two concussions last season. To reduce head injuries, he started training in martial arts during this offseason, and after talking to his doctors and family, the 25-year-old ruled out retirement.
Tagovailoa expressed on Wednesday, “I have always envisioned playing for as long as possible so that my son can fully comprehend the actions of his father.” “My well-being is of utmost importance. It pertains to my physical condition. Furthermore, I believe this decision is most advantageous for both myself and my loved ones. I possess a deep affection for the sport of football. Were it not so, I would have ceased participation quite some time ago.”
Tagovailoa is currently working on finding more ways to safely land on the field – even though he is still early in his training in jiu-jitsu, he is wearing a white belt. He is now in the process of learning how to fall.
He stated, “Initially, we utilized protective mats to cushion our falls. That was one of the agreements, clearly protecting your chin. The proper way to distribute your energy during a fall, the position you should aim for, and if that position is not attainable, what other measures can be taken to effectively distribute energy during a fall, it delved much deeper into the technical aspect.”
Tagovailoa will have to wait until the start of the season to see how his training translates to the field, as it remains uncertain whether a hurt player can affect split-second decision-making.
We don’t start the season until we get touched. Even throughout the offseason, we go into training camp and practice. And if we barely get hit at my position, it’s a situation that’s like something new and unexpected happening to you. When you’re presented with a new situation that you didn’t expect, it’s important to continue working at it. Just keep training and don’t get distracted by anything else. I’ve been falling a lot this offseason.
Tagovailoa suffered his second documented concussion of the 2022 season in a defeat against Green Bay on Christmas Day.
He later said that it was a stumble that caused the injury, and he was cleared to return to the game. After taking a few wobbling steps and hitting his head, Miami’s Tagovailoa returned to the field in the first half, completing three snaps in their September win over the Buffalo Bills. The back of his head hitting the ground became a familiar and frightening scene.
He did not receive an official diagnosis of a concussion from that event.
He was placed in concussion protocol, which typically indicates a serious neurological issue, as demonstrated by the fencing response displayed when he lay on the turf with his fingers. He was taken off the field on a stretcher and briefly knocked unconscious, which happened again when he got hit during a game in Cincinnati on Thursday night, four days later.
If a player were to experience an abnormality in balance and/or stability, it could be a symptom that prevents them from returning to a game. The protocols for Tagovailoa’s concussion situation were quickly and significantly changed by the NFL Players Association and the NFL, which sparked the situation.
Since then, Tagovailoa has spoken to numerous neurologists who said that he does not believe he would be more susceptible to head injuries than any other forward-moving player, nor would he be at a higher risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the associated brain disease.
Said Tagovailoa stated, “That also factored into my decision-making and desire to return and participate.” “It’s primarily applicable when you consistently collide with something. I believe that applies more to linebackers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, individuals who are consistently engaged in physical contact,”.
During a remarkable season, he achieved personal records in throwing touchdowns, throwing yards, and quarterback rating following the decision of Miami to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie agreement in March. Despite the setbacks caused by injuries, the Dolphins have expressed their dedication to Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa, who was drafted fifth overall by Miami in 2020, will enter his fourth year of the upcoming season with a guaranteed $23.2m deal.