Tua Tagovailoa’s parents have insisted the quarterback will return with the Miami Dolphins for the 2023 season amid concerns over his long-term health.
Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol once more after falling 26-20 to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day. He appeared to bounce his head off the turf in the second half, throwing three interceptions in the loss.
Many NFL fans and figures are concerned for his health going forwards, with some even calling for him to retire after he suffered his third head injury of the season. Back in September, Tagovailoa was hospitalised due to a second head injury in successive games, suffering a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals just days after taking a scary hit against the Buffalo Bills.
As he laid on the pitch against the Bengals, Tagovailoa’s fingers displayed the ‘fencing response’ which traditionally signifies a serious neurological issue. Shortly afterwards, the NFL and NFLPA announced they would review the concussion protocol with a new rule implemented.
The consultant who cleared Tagovailoa following a check against the Bills was also fired, while Dr Bennet Omalu - the first doctor to discover and publish findings on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American Football players - urged Tagovailoa to retire immediately. However, both parents said they are confident Tagovailoa will play for the Dolphins in 2023.
“He’ll come back,” his mother Diane told KHON 2 at the Polynesian Bowl in Hawaii earlier this week. His father Galu added: “That's their guy. They love him, we love them and what they're doing and how they're helping him with his recovery and everything else trying to get him back.”
When he was on the field, Tagovailoa enjoyed a fine 2022 in which he appeared to silence critics who questioned his ability heading into the season as he led the NFL in passer rating. He was named as an AFC first alternate for next week’s Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, but has been ruled out while he remains in concussion protocol.
There have been no setbacks in Tagovailoa’s recovery as the Dolphins aim to prioritise his long-term health after the third-year quarterback set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. The Dolphins quarterback was also the top vote-getter in Pro Bowl fan voting.
Earlier this month, Miami general manager Chris Grier said the team are heading into the 2023 season planning for Tagovailoa to start. The franchise do not believe his concussions will make him more vulnerable to head injuries moving forwards.
The Dolphins have a May 1 deadline to exercise the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa's rookie contract after the franchise selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. On the Dolphins, his mother Diane added: “He's still going through his protocol, but we're grateful for them too.”
