Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently addressed the multiple concussions he has experienced and shared insights on his journey to return to the field ahead of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. During an interview, he clarified that thoughts of retirement had never crossed his mind, stating, 'Whether the doctors told me that or not, it would have just been information for me.' Tagovailoa emphasized his commitment to training weekly, reflecting on the effort invested, saying it was 'a no-brainer, like what am I working hard for then?' Furthermore, he clarified that no medical professional had advised him to retire from the sport.
Tagovailoa's health has been a primary concern for the Dolphins, especially following his latest concussion during the Week 2 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, which caused him to miss the following four games. The Dolphins struggled without him, recording a 1-3 record during his absence and heading into the game against the Rams with a 2-6 overall standing. The quarterback acknowledged that, while the team's record was a concern, his health remained the more pressing issue given his concussion history.
In 2022, Tagovailoa suffered two confirmed concussions, including a notable incident against the Cincinnati Bengals that led to him leaving the field on a stretcher. This incident occurred just days after he had been cleared to continue playing following a hard hit against the Bills. He also experienced a concussion during a Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers but had remained in the game until the injury's severity was revealed afterward, costing him the rest of the season. Despite these challenges, Tagovailoa stated he was not advised to retire and is determined to help the Dolphins improve their performance as the season progresses.