During a press conference this Wednesday, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa revealed that he thought about retiring after the 2022 season ended.
Tagovailoa suffered at least two concussions this past season. That led to him having serious conversations with his family about his future in the NFL.
“Yeah, I think I considered it, you know, for a time, having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife and having those kind of conversations,” Tagovailoa told reporters. “Really, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game with how old I am, with my son. I always dreamed of growing — playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do. Yeah, I mean it’s my health, it’s my body. I feel like this is what’s best for me and my family. I love the game of football. If I didn’t I would have quit a long time [ago].”
While fans enjoy watching Tagovailoa compete on Sundays, they are awfully worried about his long-term health.
How could you not https://t.co/4Kkt3afNXm
— Dan Portillo (@dan_tf40) April 19, 2023
“Tua you have accomplished a lot! You don’t have anything else to prove to us or your family! We know that you can ball Make the best decision for YOU,” one fan said.
Tua you have accomplished a lot! You don’t have anything else to prove to us or your family! We know that you can ball 📶📶
Make the best decision for YOU‼️ https://t.co/7kYLo2Nuh1
— Flicks📶 (@Kellyflickss) April 19, 2023
“I just really, really hope he avoids any head trauma this year,” a second fan tweeted.
I just really, really hope he avoids any head trauma this year https://t.co/oUOywcfMJF
— Jack (@YeaMcKess) April 19, 2023
“I’ll be rooting for Tua Tagovailoa this year but I hate that I’m going to hold my breath when he drops back,” another person wrote.
I’ll be rooting for Tua Tagovailoa this year but I hate that I’m going to hold my breath when he drops back. #NFL https://t.co/4tYDEQfGip
— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) April 19, 2023
Despite missing time last season due to injury, Tagovailoa had 3,548 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.
Earlier this year, the Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa’s rookie deal. That means he’s under contract through the 2024 season.