As a former quarterback, I’m deeply troubled by Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion. The sight of him exhibiting a fencing response on the field was chilling and all too familiar. It’s clear that Tua’s long-term health is at serious risk, given this is his third diagnosed concussion in the NFL, not counting potential unreported incidents.
I understand the immense pressure Tua must be feeling. He’s at the peak of his career, having just signed a $212 million contract extension and coming off his best season yet. The financial implications of stepping away from the game at this point are staggering. If he retires voluntarily, he could forfeit $124 million. That’s generational wealth at stake.
Tua’s dedication to improving his technique and reducing injury risk is admirable, but football is an inherently violent sport. No amount of jiu-jitsu training can fully protect the brain from the impacts it sustains play after play.
For my passionate FINS fans, trust me I get it. Tua Tagovailoa’s NFL career has shown much promise and consistent improvement over his first four seasons. In his initial 21 games, he amassed 4,153 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions with a 90.8 passer rating. His rookie year in 2020 demonstrated potential with 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns in limited play. Tagovailoa’s accuracy improved in 2021, completing 67.8% of his passes for 2,653 yards. The 2022 season marked a significant leap, as he led the NFL with a 105.5 passer rating and threw for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns. His performance peaked in 2023, leading the league with 4,624 passing yards, completing 69.3% of his passes, and achieving a 101.1 passer rating with 29 touchdowns.
But if I could speak to Tua directly, even if it were a chance meeting with he and his family, I’d urge him to seriously consider the facts and lean into retirement. His health and his future with his family should take precedence over any contract, personal affections, or team loyalty. The NFL will move on, but Tua will have to live with the consequences of these injuries for the rest of his life.
The Facts: If he’s medically cleared to play but chooses to retire, Tagovailoa will give up the remaining $124 million of guaranteed money, provided there’s no settlement. Yet if he’s medically forced to retire, he’d still get all the guaranteed money.
Ultimately, this is a deeply personal decision that only Tua can make. But as a fellow quarterback who’s witnessed the toll this game can take, I hope he prioritizes his long-term well-being over short-term glory. There’s life after football, and it’s crucial that he’s healthy enough to fully enjoy it.
