If there is one thing to get said about the NFL, it is that as a whole the league really does not have the best interests of its players and former players.
There are countless examples of it after their playing days. Most recently was that of former wide receiver Wes Welker who had disability benefits denied. He posted the letter on Twitter in which it stated “the committee noted that Dr. Hussein Elkoussy was unable to rate your various surgeries due to a lack of supportive documenation within your medical records. Specifically, there were no records reflecting that these surgeries were performed as a result of injuries sustained while playing in the NFL.”
As for Welker he tweeted at the NFL and said “I don’t have the time or patience for this. Been an employee for the NFL for 18 years and still going. This is bush league stuff!”
There is a reason why the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund was created. On the home screen it clearly states what its purpose is and it goes “many former NFL players, who helped build, shape, and mold the NFL into what it is today, are paying the price physically, mentally, and emotionally from their on-the-field efforts.”
Going further it says “some retired players have not benefited from some of the benefits and pensions of the modern era. They lack adequate disability, rehabilitation, health insurance, and retirement programs to allow for and maintain a quality of life and financial security for themselves.”
Maybe the example tonight shown from the Miami Dolphins will begin to change that narrative. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills hit the back of his head on the ground after being pushed by Matt Milano.
Tagovailoa attempted to get up, yet it was obvious to those who were watching that he suffered a concussion. Still instead of announcing that was the case, first year head coach Mike McDaniel stated that the hit exacerbated a back injury. Now the NFL Players Association is investigation whether proper protocols were followed.
So with a short week did the Dolphins elect to protect their franchise quarterback? Nope. Tagovailoa started, yet unfortunately this time when he took a big hit he was not able to get up. Video shows his fingers curling up prior to getting stretchered off the field.
One person Twitter even compared it to the concussion suffered by California Golden Bears running back and former Detroit Lion Jahvid Best. In which as he was diving for the end zone against, a defender pushed him up in the air and he landed on his back. He was posturing on the field which is an involuntary and positioning of the body due to preserved motor reflexes.
Best’s NFL career got cut short due to concussions. When it comes to Tagovailoa there has been update from the Dolphins. He has all feeling in his extremities, suffered a concussion and a neck injury.
Yet for athletes today especially in the era of social media, not wanting to appear “soft” and sit out due to injuries is a problem. Earlier this month on Twitter, there were several tweets calling out San Franicsco 49ers tight end George Kittle for not playing due to a groin injury that he suffered prior to the season starting.
Then again there is also hindsight when it comes to injuries. When Kevin Durant suffered his torn achilles, some wondered if the Golden State Warriors rushed him back from a calf injury. Obviously one of the NBA’s biggest stars wants to play especially when it comes to winning a championship ring.
Also, what gets thrown around a lot is if it were the playoffs, that player will play.
On Twitter a doctor has been calling out the Dolphins for allowing Tagovailoa to play. He tweeted “if Tua takes the field tonight, it’s a massive step back for concussion care in the NFL. If he has a 2nd concussion that destoys his season or career, everone involved will be sued and should lose their jobs, coaches included. We all saw it, even they know this isn’t right.”
The concussion obviously happened along with a neck injury. Is it the fault of the Dolphins organization? In a perfect world, yes. It is not perfect so the answer is no. Blame goes squarely on Tagovailoa.
He is the leader for Miami, he needs to admit to himself that something is not right and that it is reasonable to make sure that he feels as close to 100 percent as possible. Especially when it comes to the injury he suffered on Sunday.
Simply put he needed to block out all the background noise and truly listen to himself. His body likely told him to sit this game out and he chose to ignore it and likely went to his coaches and said he was going to play.
Hopefully this example will become a great example for NFL franchises to take a more cautious approach when it comes to a concussion like injury. No one wants to see a teammate or an opponent stretchered off the field.
Tonight’s injury will hopefully change the narrative as more players become more self-aware and willing to miss a game or two to get as healthy as possible before returning.