Tua Tagovailoa concussion controversy

After Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, suffered a series of head injuries during the 2022 and 2024 NFL seasons, controversy ensured in the resulting responses and debates among medical experts, sports figures, and fans surrounding how they were handled.

During Week 3 of the 2022 NFL season, Tagovailoa sustained his first controversial head injury in a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022.

Following a roughing the passer penalty by Bills linebacker Matt Milano, Tagovailoa exhibited signs of ataxia, displaying impaired muscle control after his head struck the turf.

Despite being listed as questionable with back and ankle injuries, Tagovailoa started the game while the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) was still investigating the previous week's incident.

During this game, Bengals defensive lineman Josh Tupou tackled Tagovailoa, causing him to exhibit a fencing response—a neurological reaction characterized by rigid arm positioning—after hitting the ground.

This incident reignited discussions about player safety, with notable NFL figures including Aaron Rodgers and Robert Griffin III publicly advocating for Tagovailoa to consider ending his season or career for health concerns.

[4] The concussion also drew immediate concern from the Bills organization, with head coach Sean McDermott expressing his prayers for Tagovailoa and his family following the game.

[4] In the post-game conference, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel reported that Tagovailoa was in "good spirits" but refrained from speculating about future implications.

Following the second concussion, he called it the "worst-case scenario" for his health, and harshly criticized the NFL's injury protocol and lack of strictness in withholding injured players from returning.

The revised protocol was demonstrated immediately when Dolphins backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was removed from a subsequent game after an independent spotter observed potential instability following a hit.

[1][6] Additionally, the NFLPA terminated the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in the Week 3 decision, citing multiple procedural errors and communication issues during the subsequent investigation.

Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, speaking as an Amazon Prime analyst, suggested that Tagovailoa seriously consider retirement, framing the decision from a parental perspective.

[7] Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe expressed concern about the escalating severity of Tagovailoa's concussions with regards to considerations on when and if he should return to play.