In one play, everyone was reminded of the story surrounding Tua Tagovailoa in the 2023 offseason.
Tagovailoa suffered multiple concussions during the 2022 season, including a scary one Thursday night against Cincinnati Bengals. He said be considered a pension after the season, he finally decided to continue his football career. Tagovailoa’s long-term health was a topic of conversation until the start of last season.
On Thursday night, he experienced another terrifying moment.
Tagovailoa ran for a first down on fourth-and-4, and with the Dolphins trailing 31-10 he didn’t skate for 4:36 in the third quarter. Tagovailoa put his head down and ran Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa was left lying down after a heavy blow. He tried to get up, but he couldn’t. He avoided those types of shots last season, but Thursday’s hit knocked him out of the game.
Tagovailoa got up, limped off the court and was taken to the locker room. Skylar Thompson replaced him.
The team suspended him shortly thereafter and reported having a concussion.
The The Bills ended up winning, 31-10.
In July, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins signed a contract four-year contract worth $212.4 million. Concerns about Tagovailoa and his health have not been forgotten, but they have faded deep into the background after he played in every game last season. After Thursday night, all concerns about Tagovailoa and his health will be renewed.
The Dolphins were trailing by a lot before Tua Tagovailoa was knocked out of the game
The Bills have owned the Dolphins since the draft Josh Allen and that didn’t change on Thursday night. Buffalo got three touchdowns James Cookdefensive TD and cruised in the second half. They are 2-0 to start the season.
Tagovailoa threw three interceptions, including a pick-6 that nearly ended the game. Tagovailoa was pressured and made a blind throw on third down. That turned into an easy interception and return for a touchdown by Bills cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram. The score was 31-10.
The night just got worse for the Dolphins. Tagovailoa fumbled and ran for a first down on fourth-and-four, and since it was fourth down, he didn’t want to slide too early. He put his head down and hit the Bills safety Damar Hamlinhe fell hard and couldn’t get up right away. He was sidelined shortly after with a concussion.
Thompson expressed concern for his teammate.
“I’ll tell you something, I’m sick,” Thompson he told reporters after the game. “That’s bullshit.
“I love Tua very much, I have built a great relationship with him. I care more about the person than the player, and everyone in the organization would say the same.”
Even Allen had kind words and sympathy for his fellow quarterback.
“You can’t help but feel for him,” Allen said on Amazon Prime Video after the game. “He is a great football player, but he is an even greater human being. He is one of the best people on the planet. I have a lot of love for him and just pray for him and his family.”
Several former NFL stars have questioned whether Tagovailoa should consider retirement. On the Amazon Prime set after the game, Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez said, “Tua’s future? I’m thinking about retirement here.”
Former Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman he said later on the post-match show: “You always want to go on, but if I’m him, I’m with you Tony, I think you need to go home.”
Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant he repeated it on social networks.
That’s it….
NFL go ahead and do the right thing
Tua had too many concussions
He has to retire due to longevity health issues
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) September 13, 2024
Tagovailoa said he considered retirement after suffering multiple concussions during the 2022 season. The concern for him after Thursday night isn’t just when he might return from the concussion, but his long-term health.