Tua Tagovailoa admits contemplating retirement following concussion-riddled 2022 season
Tua Tagovailoa was unfortunately a huge story of the 2022 season. A scary moment was produced on national television in Cincinnati, as Tagovailoa was taken off the field in an ambulance due to a head injury. Another concussion later in the season caused Miami to shut him down, last making an appearance on Christmas Day against Green Bay.
Retirement was a real thought after the tumultuous season. Not just from the fans or in the media. But Tagovailoa himself admitted he seriously thought about stepping away from football. Ultimately, he decided to continue playing and has his family to thank for guiding his decision.
“I considered it for a time,” Tagovailoa said. “Having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife, and having those kinds of conversations. But really, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game. With how old I am, with my son.
“I always dreamed of playing as long as I could to where my son knew he was watching his Dad. It’s my health, it’s my body. I feel like it’s what’s best for me and my family. I love the game of football. If I didn’t, then I would’ve quit a long time ago.”
With Tagovailoa returning for the 2023 season, the immediate concern once again becomes his health — both short-term and long-term. Thankfully for him, doctors do not believe the long-term effects are a “big concern” due to playing quarterback in the modern NFL.
“Tagovailoa said that independent neurologists told him that CTE was not a big concern for him, given the position he plays and the amount of hits he takes,” Adam Beasley of the Pro Football Network said via Twitter.
Injuries have been the story of Tagovailoa’s career thus far. Even going back to his time at Alabama, his days as a college quarterback ended due to hip surgery during the 2019 season. Other knocks have popped up as well, including an ankle problem in Tuscaloosa. He has not been able to consistently been able to stay on the field.
Of course, the head problems are the most serious of the bunch. Nothing will show up down the line more than some of the hits Tua Tagovailoa has taken in games. He’s willing to continue trekking on in the NFL, hoping to make his family, and most notably his son, proud of him down the road.