Tua Tagovailoa is turning toward a different sport this offseason in order to prevent injuries in his fourth NFL campaign.
The Miami quarterback plans to practice judo ahead of the 2023 season, hoping to learn how to fall without hitting his head on the turf.
During an appearance on Up and Adams before this year’s Super Bowl, Tua said he plans to devote one day per week to practicing the martial art.
“We’ve got a plan set up,” he said. “I’ll be doing Judo on Fridays just so that I can kind of figure out understanding my body and how to fall… Just trying to help myself.”
Tua suffered multiple serious head injuries throughout the 2022 season. His season ended when he sustained a concussion in a Week 16 matchup against the Green Bay Packers — caused by his head smacking the turf as he fell backward.
It’s unclear if this practice will help Tua prevent further injuries in 2023, but it’s certainly worth a try.