The Buffalo Bills faced and defeated the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, 31-10. However, the biggest story of the game came from the Dolphins’ side of things, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down with another concussion.
Following Tagovailoa’s concussion, support came from all across the NFL. What is everyone saying?
NFL Players React to Tua Tagovailoa’s Concussion
Despite the Dolphins being in a deep hole, Tagovailoa was still fighting. On a fourth down in the red zone, he tucked the ball and ran for the first down.
Instead of sliding, though, he lowered his shoulder into defender Damar Hamlin, and he suffered the concussion.
Upon taking the hit, Tagovailoa showed “fencing” symptoms, something he’d previously shown back in 2022 when his concussions were at their worst. This marks the fourth concussion he’s suffered dating back to his college days at Alabama.
According to doctors, “fencing” is a sign of a traumatic brain injury and indicates loss of consciousness.
“🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽” posted Patrick Mahomes on X within minutes of the hit.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 13, 2024
With Tagovailoa having already suffered three concussions in the past, he’d already considered retirement. After Thursday, those talks might return.
Dez Bryant and Shannon Sharpe, and many others, said they think he should.
“Really hope Tua is ok, but he’s gotta seriously think about shutting it down,” said Sharpe on X. “I H8 saying this. His concussions are getting worse and worse, and he’s a young man with his entire life ahead of him.”
“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,” said Bryant.
On the postgame coverage of the game through Amazon Prime, both Josh Allen and the postgame crew shared their thoughts on the situation.
Former NFL stars Richard Sherman, Andrew Whitworth, and Tony Gonzalez all shared that they believe Tagovailoa should consider retirement.
“If you know Tua outside of football … You can’t help but feel for him,” said Allen. “Praying for him and his family, hoping everything is OK.”
"He's one of the best humans on the planet."
Josh Allen has a lot of love for @Tua.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/fjq9vAbaDL
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 13, 2024
Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho posted a video on X to share his thoughts.
“It’s time we have an Uncomfortable Conversation about Tua Tagovailoa … The helmet protects the skull from fracture, it does not protect the brain from injury,” said Acho.
It’s time we have an Uncomfortable Conversation about Tua Tagovailoa..
The helmet protects the skull from fracture, it does not protect the brain from injury. 💔💔#FinsUp @MiamiDolphins pic.twitter.com/7UZ5IYXpw4
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 13, 2024
Former ESPN broadcaster and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also took to X, sharing that Tagovailoa’s long-term health is what is most important.
“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,” said Griffin.
“Part of the discussion is going to be about if he should play anymore. Ever again,” ESPN’s Louis Riddick said on X. “That’s the reality. That makes me feel sick. But it’s part of the discussion now. Just want the man to be safe and healthy. Damn.”