Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. The incident occurred in the second half as Tagovailoa scrambled for extra yards. He lowered his body and helmet into Bills safety Damar Hamlin, and Tagovailoa’s head was in an awkward position as he fell to the ground.
This marks the third confirmed concussion of Tagovailoa’s career, raising significant concerns given his history with multiple concussions during the 2022 season.
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Bills fans, known as “Bills Mafia,” rallied around their division rival, donating a total of $16,000 to Tagovailoa’s Foundation. The foundation, dedicated to supporting youth initiatives, health and wellness, and other charitable causes, acknowledged the outpouring of support from Bills fans.
Tagovailoa’s injury has reignited discussions about player safety and the long-term impact of concussions. Several prominent figures in the football world have expressed concern and offered advice, with some even suggesting Tagovailoa consider retiring from the sport to protect his health.
Las Vegas Raiders coach and former NFL linebacker Antonio Pierce said that Tagovailoa should call it a career and take care of his family.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like what has happened to him three times. … Take care of your family,” said Pierce.
Former NFL QB Brett Favre said Tua’s hit gave him some flashbacks of some hits and wished for a speedy recovery.
“Like many of you, I saw the concussion Tua suffered last night. It was chilling to see him blackout, and I had flashbacks from the hits taken during my career, I just want to send prayers to Tua’s family and hope he recovers soon,” Favre posted on X.
Former NFL tight end and current sports analyst Shannon Sharpe also took to X and shared that Tagovailoa should consider retiring after his recent concussion.
“Really hope Tua is ok, but he’s gotta seriously think about shutting it dwn. I H8 saying this. His concussions are getting worse and worse and he’s a young man with his entire life ahead of him,” Sharpe posted.
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, who may have CTE, also said that Tagovailoa should rethink after his recent injury.
“In all seriousness Tua may want to rethink playing football in the future depending on severity Concussions not something to mess with,” Brown Tweeted.