Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been through his fair share of health scares in recent years, with concussion-related concerns becoming a significant chapter in his NFL journey.
In Week 10 of the 2024 season, Tagovailoa faced yet another close call that nearly added another concussion to his medical history, and this time, he was brutally honest about the risky play that almost resulted in disaster.
The Dolphins’ Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams provided one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the season for Miami fans. Tagovailoa, after throwing an interception, made an attempt to tackle Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom. However, the attempt to make a play ended in a near disaster when Tagovailoa lowered his head during the tackle attempt, leading to a dangerous collision with Rozeboom’s knee. Tagovailoa took a slight hit to the head, and in that moment, it seemed like he could have suffered yet another concussion.
The incident was all the more concerning given Tagovailoa’s recent history with concussions. Earlier in the 2024 season, he had collided head-first with Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, resulting in his third official concussion in the NFL. The aftermath of that head injury led to discussions about the possibility of Tagovailoa’s retirement. He was placed on injured reserve to consult with specialists about his long-term health, and the fear of another serious concussion has loomed large over his career.
Despite these warnings and the gravity of his situation, Tagovailoa made the decision to continue playing. Though he pledged to take extra precautions, his near-miss in Week 10 against the Rams showed that the quarterback is still grappling with the risks of dangerous tackles, especially after an interception. The hit against Rozeboom could have easily resulted in another concussion, but fortunately, Tagovailoa avoided further injury and was able to return to the sidelines without issue.
After the play, Tagovailoa didn’t shy away from acknowledging his mistake. He reflected on the incident with clarity, stating that he had no intention of putting himself in harm’s way by using his head in the tackle attempt. “I feel good. Everything’s good,” Tagovailoa said after the game. “I went up to that dude that intercepted me. I asked him, ‘Bro, you couldn’t have just ran out of bounds or cut back?’ I was like, ‘You saw me and I saw you, you wanted to just run me over?’”
Rozeboom, in his response to Tagovailoa’s light-hearted inquiry, explained the necessity of the play from his perspective: “There was no room there. There was nowhere else to go.” It’s a reminder that, in the heat of the moment, players on both sides are simply doing what they can to help their teams win. But Tagovailoa, ever aware of his health and safety, expressed that he wasn’t planning on using his head as a battering ram to make the tackle.
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This close call with a concussion underscores the ongoing concerns regarding Tagovailoa’s health, especially after his history with head injuries. His decision to continue playing after his third concussion this season was a difficult one, given the advice from specialists who had recommended retirement for the sake of his long-term health. However, the quarterback chose to push forward, vowing to take extra care going forward.
One lingering question surrounding Tagovailoa’s decision to continue playing is whether he would consider using additional protective gear, such as the Guardian Cap. This extra layer, which is worn over the helmet and has been shown to reduce the risk of concussions by as much as 52%, has been recommended by many analysts and experts. However, Tagovailoa has opted against wearing it, citing a personal choice. Even though the Guardian Cap could provide an added layer of protection, Tagovailoa has chosen not to use it, despite the concerns surrounding his concussion history.
The Guardian Cap is worn by many players as an added precaution against head injuries, and its benefits in reducing the severity of concussions have been well-documented. But Tagovailoa’s reluctance to wear it raises questions about his mindset regarding his safety. While it’s clear that he is committed to continuing his career, his decision not to wear additional protective gear may be viewed as a risky one, especially for a player who has already suffered multiple concussions.
As the season progresses, the Dolphins will be hoping that their star quarterback stays healthy and continues to avoid injury. Tagovailoa’s importance to the team cannot be overstated, and any further setbacks could have serious consequences not just for his career but for Miami’s playoff hopes. With every game, Tagovailoa’s health remains a major storyline, and the hope is that the young quarterback can find a balance between playing aggressively and protecting his long-term well-being.
It’s clear that Tagovailoa has learned from his past mistakes, but as the Week 10 near-concussion showed, the risks of playing in the NFL are ever-present. The scrutiny surrounding his health is only going to increase as the season continues, and his every move will be watched closely by fans, analysts, and medical professionals alike. For Tagovailoa, it’s a constant balancing act — one that will define not only his future in football but his quality of life after the game.
Ultimately, the near-miss against the Rams serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with playing a violent sport like football. Tagovailoa’s transparency about his reckless tackle attempt is a step in the right direction, showing that he’s aware of the risks he faces and is committed to avoiding unnecessary plays that could jeopardize his health. Whether he opts to reconsider wearing extra protection or continues on his current path, the most important thing is that Tagovailoa remains healthy, both for the sake of his career and his long-term future.
