Tua Tagovailoa’s health remains a question on everyone’s mind after a tumultuous 2022 season.
The quarterback’s season ended early after suffering his second reported concussion on Christmas Day. Despite fears of his status, Tagovailoa was in good spirits when hosting a Luau with Tua event benefitting his foundation Monday night.
“How do I feel now compared to a year ago? I’m smiling a lot more,” he said, per Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post. “So I would say good.”
Tagovailoa added jiu-jitsu to his training regiment to help him fall without hitting his head on the field’s turf.
“Offseason training has been good,” he said. “Been working on strength in many areas and been chapping away at things that I felt like I needed to work on to get to where I feel like I can get to in the later parts of the season.”
Asked Tua how he feels as the Luau with Tua is about to kick off. “I feel great.” Has been working on getting stronger to stay healthy and says team is eager to get going again.
— Hal Habib (@gunnerhal) April 10, 2023
Tagovailoa, who was sporting a new mustache, said he’s “very excited” to start preparing for the 2023 season.
The former No. 5 pick was enjoying a breakout year when healthy. He posted a 105.5 quarterback rating with 8.9 yards per pass attempt in 13 games.
While Tagovailoa’s performance solidified his status as a franchise cornerback, the head injuries put his future in peril. While questions persist about whether he will (or should) keep playing, the 25-year-old sounds intent on returning.