After Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion in 2024, concerns from his family, especially his mother, have resurfaced regarding his safety. His latest head injury is part of a pattern, with three documented concussions since joining the NFL, sparking fears about the long-term effects on his health. His mother has been vocal about wanting him to retire, prioritizing his life beyond football. These discussions within the family have occurred before, notably after his 2022 concussions. Despite the worries, Tua’s family remains supportive of his decision to continue playing, though they emphasize his future well-being.
Following the 2022 season, Tagovailoa and his family weighed the risks, but he decided to remain in the NFL, working on techniques to protect his head during falls. His efforts paid off, leading to a strong 2023 season and a major contract extension. However, the recent concussion reignites the debate over whether continuing to play is worth the potential long-term damage.
Many former players and experts have echoed his mother’s concerns, urging him to retire while he’s still healthy. Notably, Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce stated that, for Tua, life beyond football should take precedence over his career, suggesting it’s time to step away from the game. Despite these calls, Tua’s determination to play at the highest level has not wavered, although the support from his family and their concerns may weigh on future decisions [[❞]](https://www.ctpublic.org/2024-09-13/dolphins-qb-tua-tagovailoas-latest-concussion-sparks-calls-to-retire).