Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the recent game against the Buffalo Bills after suffering what appears to be his third concussion in the NFL. The incident has reignited concerns over his future in the sport, with many, including sports analyst Shannon Sharpe, advocating for Tua to consider retiring for the sake of his long-term health.
Sharpe voiced his concerns, suggesting that the young quarterback should prioritize his brain health and walk away from football before facing irreversible damage.
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On the other hand, Sharpe’s co-host, Chad Johnson, expressed a more pragmatic view. While acknowledging the risks involved, Johnson highlighted Tua‘s recently signed $212.4 million contract as a significant factor in the decision-making process.
He explained that the large financial commitment could be a driving force behind Tua‘s return to the field, despite the dangers associated with his recurring concussions.
“But you got to understand,” Johnson said. “They just paid Tua. They paid Tua a lot of money because he is the future of the franchise and the quarterback. In order for them to contend, he has to be at the helm to do that.”
The incident
The injury occurred when Tagovailoa scrambled for a first down, colliding helmet-first with Bills safety Damar Hamlin‘s forearm. The violent hit triggered the fencing response, a concerning neurological reaction that raised alarms among medical professionals.
This latest concussion has led to uncertainty about whether Tua will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 season, as there is currently no clear timeline for his recovery.
According to the NFL’s concussion protocol, Tua will need to complete a series of evaluations and clear multiple steps before being eligible to play again. In the meantime, backup quarterback Skylar Thompson took over after Tagovailoa left the field, though the Bills dominated with a 31-10 win.
