Despite increasing media pressure and calls from former players for his retirement, Tua Tagovailoa remains resolute in his commitment to the game. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tagovailoa has no intention of retiring and is determined to prove his worth, especially after securing a substantial contract with the Dolphins this offseason.
Although he faced a recent concussion that might have prompted him to quit, Tagovailoa’s choice to continue reflects not just financial motivation but also his resilience, dedication, and desire to address the skepticism surrounding his career.
Tagovailoa’s football career has been marked by significant challenges and achievements. His impressive college career at Alabama was followed by a major injury that nearly derailed his NFL prospects. Despite doubts after his 2019 hip injury, he made a remarkable comeback and was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins.
His time with the Dolphins has been tumultuous from the start. Under head coach Brian Flores, with a struggling offense and veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick as the team’s leading rusher, Tagovailoa faced harsh criticism. Detractors questioned his abilities, and the media criticized the team for not trading for Deshaun Watson, highlighting perceived failings in franchise building.
The narrative changed with the arrival of Tyreek Hill, who, contrary to predictions of career decline, thrived with Tagovailoa as quarterback, posting career-best numbers. Despite this, the media continued to downplay the Dolphins’ achievements, focusing on their playoff shortcomings and Tagovailoa’s injuries.
Tagovailoa’s critics often point to his perceived shortcomings, attributing his success to coach Mike McDaniel and his top receivers, Hill and Jaylen Waddle. In contrast, quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have not faced the same level of scrutiny, despite having elite talent around them. Burrow benefited from teammates like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, while Herbert had Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Similarly, Jalen Hurts, with a top offensive line and weapons like A.J. Brown, received less criticism than Tagovailoa.
While Burrow and Hurts have led their teams to Super Bowls, Tagovailoa has shown consistent improvement each season, even as Burrow and Hurts have faced some setbacks. Despite ongoing challenges and criticism, Tagovailoa’s steady progress and football intelligence are noteworthy.
The media often overlooks Tagovailoa’s football IQ and quick decision-making skills, which make him a strong quarterback despite his physical limitations and injury history. However, concerns about his long-term health following a third documented concussion have led some football figures, including Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, to advise him to consider retirement for his safety.