According to his coach Nick Hicks, quitting football is not an option for Tua Tagovailoa at the moment.
The Dolphins quarterback is on NFL concussion history for the second time this season after suffering a head injury in the Christmas Day loss to the Packers — which was his second — and possibly third — head injury this season.
There are growing concerns about the long-term health of Tagovailoa, with many discussions whether or not it should be closed for the season or beyond.
On Thursday, Hicks tweeted: “I know some of you are pissed – but UNO is not going anywhere for a very, very long time. Get over it,” with crying and laughing emojis.
Tagovailoa, who was day-to-day after entering the protocol, will sit out Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium, head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday. Teddy Bridgewater will be the first.
“And by the way – NOBODY cares about your ‘fandom.’ Being unhappy is your own prerogative. Especially when the season isn’t over and the playoffs are ready and waiting,” Hicks later added. “So, jump overboard and find another team. Nobody cares lol. Especially the Miami Dolphins and their players.”
Hicks’ tweet came after Tagovailoa’s brother, Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, weighed in on the concussion controversy and said he believed Tua would continue playing.
“Everyone has an opinion,” Taulia told The Associated Press Thursday ahead of Friday’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte. “My brother, I know he works hard. I know he has a family now. I want my brother to be safe but at the same time I know he loves football and is passionate about it. I have a feeling that he will make the right decision. The most important thing is to stay safe, so he needs to pray for that. I know when it comes down to it, he will make the right decision.
“I just have a feeling he’s not going to stop playing football. I have a feeling he will try to play every chance he gets. I don’t know, it’s just ‘drive ’til the wheels fall off.’”
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Getty Images
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa takes the field before a game against the Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Getty Images
The NFL and NFLPA announced Wednesday that they will investigate the Dolphins’ handling of Sunday’s concussion protocol regarding Tagovailoa.
“A joint NFL-NFLPA review of the application of the concussion protocol involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is now underway,” the league said said in a statement. “We welcome this review and, as we have previously done, will report the findings in cooperation with the NFLPA.”
It was not clear until Friday when Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Sunday’s 26-20 loss to the Packers.
According to video replays, the quarterback appeared to hit the back of his head on the turf at 2:40 before halftime. However, Tagovailoa retired before showing symptoms of a concussion on Monday.
After meeting with the team doctors, Tagovailoa was immediately placed on the concussion protocol.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is carted off the field after suffering an injury in a game against the Bengals on September 29, 2022 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This is the second known concussion for Tagovailoa, who was logged after he was knocked unconscious and taken off the field on a stretcher during Miami’s loss to the Bengals on Sept. 29.
That came four days after he briefly left a 21-19 win over the Bills after suffering a hard hit and looking shaky in the first half. At the time, the NFL/NFLPA was reviewing the matter and vowing to pursue “every legal avenue” to investigate a possible violation of protocol by the Dolphins regarding Tagovailoa.