The NFL’s Negligence in Protecting Tua Tagovailoa: The Long-Term Consequences
Despite the NFL’s claims of prioritizing player safety, the handling of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history exposes a persistent failure. After suffering well documented concussions in a short time span, Tua is set to play again today against the Arizona Cardinals. This decision isn’t just risky — it’s potentially catastrophic.
Tua is an exceptional athlete, but his future health and well-being should take priority. The NFL, his team, and medical professionals must protect him from further harm to himself. What’s at stake isn’t just a football game — it’s the future of a young man with a family, facing the risk of irreversible damage for the sake of the sport.
Mike McDaniel’s Role: A Coach’s Responsibility
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has played a pivotal role in Tua’s development as a player, helping him grow and positioning him as one of the best QB’s in the league. But as a coach who spends countless hours with his players, McDaniel also has a duty to have the hard conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Yes, Tua has been medically cleared by a long list of medical professionals, but when does common sense come into play? When does someone step in and say, “Hey man, you are shit out of luck if…”
McDaniel’s influence on Tua’s career is undeniable, but as a leader, he must balance his commitment to winning with the long-term well-being of his quarterback. It’s easy to defer to medical professionals, but at what point does a coach need to use his own judgment and protect his player from future harm? Sometimes, it’s not just about what’s medically possible — it’s about doing what’s right for the player’s future.
A Pattern of Concussions: Tua’s Alarming History
Tua’s concussion history is deeply concerning. In 2022, he sustained two documented concussions within weeks. Sorry, let me clarify, he had a back injury against Bills after he hit his head…Days later, in a highly publicized game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he was knocked unconscious after another violent hit, with his fingers seizing in a fencing response — an unmistakable sign of serious head trauma.
Despite these clear warning signs, Tua returned to the field later that season, and now faces similar risks again. His situation draws troubling parallels to the career of former NHL star Eric Lindros, whose repeated concussions ultimately cut short his career and left irreparable damage. The NFL seems willing to let Tua walk a similar path.
The Immediate and Long-Term Risks
Every hit increases the likelihood of long-term damage, not just to Tua, but also to his family. He is a young father, and his wife and children could be left to cope with the devastating consequences of brain trauma. Whether through physical or mental deterioration, Tua’s quality of life could be forever altered by one more hit.
This risk extends beyond Tua and his family. Young fans who idolize him may see his return to the field as a sign of toughness, but if he sustains further injury, they could witness a tragedy on live television. The message being sent is dangerous: that playing through concussions is brave, rather than reckless. The NFL’s continued lack of decisive action reinforces the troubling reality that player safety takes a backseat to the game, no matter how many head injuries occur.
The NFL’s Responsibility to Tua and His Family
Another injury could destroy Tua’s career and severely impact his personal life. The long-term consequences of repeated concussions are well-documented, with cognitive and physical impairments being a real possibility. His family, especially his young children, would be forced to bear the emotional and physical toll of his deterioration. These are the stark human costs of putting a player back on the field too soon.
Tua’s competitive spirit and love for football may drive his decision to continue playing, but it is the responsibility of the NFL, his team, and medical professionals to protect his health above all else. His family should not have to face the preventable heartbreak of losing a father and husband to injury.
