- NFL. Nick Saban hits the nail on the head, gives Tua Tagovailoa the best advice on who should decide his NFL future
- NFL. Skylar Thompson, Tua Tagovailoa's backup, 'hates' having to play for Dolphins now: It makes me sick
Dr. Bennet Omalu, the groundbreaking brain specialist who discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), has issued a stark warning to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following his most recent head injury.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Omalu urged the 26-year-old to retire from football, cautioning that another significant concussion could leave Tagovailoa "permanently incapacitated."
Omalu, who inspired the Will Smith movie Concussion, was clear in his message: if he were in charge of the NFL or the Dolphins, he would not allow Tagovailoa to return to the field.
"As the corporation placing him back to play," Omalu questioned, pointing to the severe risks of repeated head injuries.
"Knowing fully well that there is a significant and substantial risk that this individual could suffer subsequent catastrophic and permanent brain damage - then why would you place him back to play?"
Tagovailoa has had a troubling history with concussions, most notably suffering a significant one during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
At that time, Omalu also recommended that Tagovailoa consider stepping away from football for the sake of his long-term health.
Despite the warnings, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has left the decision in Tagovailoa's hands.
Should Tagovailoa retire?
For now, the team has not provided a timeline for the quarterback's return, with his future remaining uncertain as he considers his options.
Omalu, however, is adamant that Tagovailoa should retire.
"If I were his brother, his father, his uncle, cousin, nephew, if I were a member of his family, I would beg him to retire," he said, emphasizing the potentially life-altering consequences of continuing to play.
Omalu's plea is clear and urgent: "Find something else to do," he advised, adding that continuing to risk head trauma for the sake of playing football is not worth it.
As Tagovailoa evaluates his future in the sport, Omalu's words provide a sobering reminder of the dangers that come with repeated concussions and the irreversible damage they can cause.