Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has opened up about his struggles with multiple concussions last season and how it caused him to consider retiring from football. In an interview with reporters, the 25-year-old athlete revealed that he sat down with his family and wife to discuss the possibility of walking away from the game, but ultimately decided to continue pursuing his dream.
Despite the challenges he faced, Tagovailoa expressed his love for the sport and his desire to play as long as possible. He also shared that he wants his son to know exactly what he's watching his dad do on the field. However, the quarterback acknowledged the importance of his health and body, saying that he'll continue to evaluate what's best for him and his family moving forward.
To help prevent future injuries, Tagovailoa has taken up jiu-jitsu training to learn how to fall carefully. He admitted that it's not as easy as it sounds, but he's committed to doing everything he can to stay healthy and help his team win games.
Reflecting on his injuries from last season, Tagovailoa said that he's been able to work with his jiu-jitsu coach to relive the scenarios of how he got tackled and fell. He's also received assurance from neurologists that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) won't be an issue for him, which has helped him feel more comfortable returning to the field.
The Dolphins exercised Tagovailoa's fifth-year option on his rookie contract earlier this year, and he's contracted with the team through the 2024 season. For the 2024 season, he'll make a fully guaranteed $23.17 million, according to the NFL. Despite the challenges he's faced, Tagovailoa remains committed to his career and the sport he loves.