Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Fifth Concussion, Is It Time for the Quarterback to Retire?

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion during his team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, a worrying development for the 26-year-old player who has a history of head injuries. The incident occurred midway through the third quarter when Tagovailoa dived head-first for a first down and took a hit to the head by Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

The hit left Tagovailoa on the ground at Hard Rock Stadium, where he was attended to by the Dolphins' medical staff. He eventually walked off the field under his own power but was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion, according to a statement from the Dolphins.

Concerns of Tagovailoa's Health

This latest injury raises concerns about Tagovailoa's long-term health, as he previously suffered multiple concussions during the 2022 season. The quarterback publicly admitted in April 2023 that he had considered retiring from football due to the toll the injuries were taking on his body.

Tagovailoa's competitive spirit may have played a role in the injury, as he chose to dive head-first rather than slide feet-first, a safer option typically used by quarterbacks to avoid direct contact. Former NFL player and current analyst CNN's Coy Wire pointed out that Tagovailoa's decision to lunge head-first likely stemmed from his desire to make a play.

Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson replaced Tagovailoa after the injury. Tagovailoa had already struggled in the game, throwing three interceptions before the incident, which may have fueled his drive to make the aggressive play.

Damar Hamlin, who was involved in the collision, expressed his support for Tagovailoa after the game, wishing him a "speedy recovery."

Hamlin himself has a history of serious injury, having collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023 after suffering cardiac arrest caused by commotio cordis, a condition triggered by trauma to the chest. Hamlin's own recovery has been remarkable, but his experience highlights the risks NFL players face.

What Will Happen to Tagovailoa's Career After the Incident?

The severity of Tagovailoa's concussion has sparked discussions about his future in the NFL. Former Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz suggested that retirement might be in the quarterback's best interest after yet another head injury.

"It's sad to see, and you have no idea what the ramifications will be later in life," Schwartz said on X, "But it's clear that his body can't handle those hits to the head and neck area. At some point, you've got to get out."

The Dolphins have not yet released further details about Tagovailoa's condition or a potential timetable for his return. As the team navigates his recovery, questions linger about whether this latest concussion could be the one that forces the young quarterback to reconsider his future in the game.