NFL
Patrick Mahomes message to Tua Tagovailoa’s terrifying concussion moment see the hit that left everyone shaken
The Miami Dolphins’ season has kicked off in a way the franchise would prefer to forget, with two incidents that have cast a shadow over their start. The first occurred last week before their comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when Tyreek Hill was aggressively detained by Miami police en route to the stadium. The video of Hill’s arrest, which shows the rough treatment he received, quickly went viral and sparked a deeper investigation into the officers involved. Hill later celebrated his game-winning 80-yard touchdown-the longest of his career-by referencing the incident, further fueling public interest in the matter.
Tua Suffers Another Concussion in Bills Blowout
The second incident came yesterday during a crushing 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, a team that has dominated the Dolphins with an 11-1 record in their last 12 meetings. In the third quarter, while the Dolphins were deep in Bills’ territory, Tua Tagovailoa scrambled for a first down but collided with Damar Hamlin, the same player who almost lost his life two seasons ago. The hit left Tua with a concussion, adding to his troubling history of head injuries. The video shows the impact clearly, and Tua’s reaction was alarming, given his prior issues with concussions.
Prayers for Tua Tagovailoa. Note his right hand balling into a fist and his arm going straight in the air. That’s posturing and a sign of loss of consciousness and a #concussion. Certainly out for the game. So sad. pic.twitter.com/e6wYIDVaZa
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 13, 2024
NFL Community Rallies Around Tua
This incident has drawn significant attention across the NFL, particularly given Tua’s history. Back in 2022, a similar hit sidelined him for the rest of the season, forcing him to miss the Dolphins’ playoff loss to these same Bills. NFL stars, past and present, have voiced their concerns, including Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, former player Shannon Sharpe who went wiral a few days ago for a video of himself, former Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III, ex-Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, and analyst Nick Wright. Wright even suggested that Tua should consider retiring, pointing to the $212.4 millioncontract he signed on July 26, which includes $167 million guaranteed for injury.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 13, 2024
Really hope Tua is ok, but he’s gotta seriously think about shutting it dwn. I H8 saying this. His concussions are getting worse and worse and he’s a young man with his entire life ahead of him. #BillsFins #ThursdayNightFootball.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 13, 2024
This hit forces Dolphins’ GM Chris Grier and owner Stephen M. Ross to seriously evaluate their options. As Michael Ginnitti, co-founder of Spotrac, suggested, Tua’s deal guarantees him $43 million in 2024, but if he’s medically cleared to return and chooses to retire, he will forfeit the remaining $124 million, barring a settlement. If he’s medically forced to retire, he’s entitled to collect that amount. Alternatively, if Tua passes a physical by next March, the Dolphins could release him, only owing him $50 million in 2025 compensation. Tua must prioritize his health and consider his future carefully, alongside his family and the Dolphins’ leadership.
Really just praying for Tua’s long term health. Another concussion puts him at 3 officially and countless other scares. Think of the person not just the player.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 13, 2024
That’s it….
NFL go ahead and do the right thing
Tua has had entirely way too many concussions
He need to retire for his longevity health concerns
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) September 13, 2024
Looking Ahead: Dolphins’ Quarterback Situation
With Tua likely to miss at least one game, if not more, the Dolphins must now focus on finding a competent backup quarterback. The team had high expectations this season, and a prolonged absence from Tua would force them to seek out a replacement who can keep them competitive. Like the Packers with Jordan Love’s injury, the Dolphins are now searching for a capable QB. The best option seems to be 36-year-old free agent Ryan Tannehill, who was recently with the Tennessee Titans. Tannehill has playoff experience and was originally drafted by the Dolphins in 2012 with the 8th overall pick. Dolphins next game is next Sunday in Seattle and then they received the Titans to close the first month of action for the south beach team.