In July, Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year contract extension with the Miami Dolphins worth $212.4 million dollars with $167.1 million guaranteed.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel understands that the long-term health of Tua is more important than ever playing another snap in the NFL. As his quarterback walked off the field on Thursday night after another concussion he told him this “I told him he’s the starting quarterback of his family, to go to the locker room, take a deep breath and I’ll see you soon.”
The concussion caught the attention of Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce who said “I’ll be honest, I’d tell him to retire. It’s not worth it.” He also went on to say “I just think that at some point, he’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”
On social media came across those who still want to see Tua play again and that he is only in regular concussion protocol.
Also, that he has 100 million reasons why to get back on the field.
Still there were others who believe he needs to seek guidance from several former NFL players. Interestingly enough it seems like a certain running back who was drafted out of California and played for the Detroit Lions was not mentioned.
That running back is Jahvid Best. One of the most electric players to come out of Cal, who against Oregon State in his junior year had a concussion so severe that he was posturing. Which happened to Tua on Thursday night as well.
Even though Best recovered from that concussion and was drafted by the Lions with the 30th pick overall in 2010. He played in a total of 22 games yet after suffering his third concussion, no doctor would clear him.
The same needs to happen to Tua. Regardless of how massive his contract extension was. He no longer has a choice and must retire.