After Tua Tagovailoa suffered the fourth concussion of his college and NFL career, many fans and analysts were concerned if they’ll ever get to see the Miami Dolphins star get on the field again. Count Nick Saban among them.
Nick Saban Weighs in on Tua
The unfortunate injury took place during the Dolphins’ 31-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of the game.
While Tagovailoa has now been cleared to play in the Arizona Cardinals matchup this Sunday, his former coach Nick Saban expressed concerns over his decision to return to the game.
Nick Saban reacts to news that Tua Tagovailoa is returning to play this weekend. pic.twitter.com/pUZrRDOY3T
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 25, 2024
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the former Alabama coach opened up:
“I’m concerned that I want Tua to be safe and healthy and not have a football career that’s going to impact him down the road, number one. Number two is, I think organizationally this is a medical decision, this is not an organizational decision. People will look at him and say, why are they letting him play? I think the doctors make that decision. I think it’s a medical decision.
“Then, for him, it becomes personal then, as to, I really want to play, I’m a competitor, I love playing, I want to play. So he has to make a decision, is the risk-reward from a medical standpoint worth it to you? And I think all those things are in play now.
“If he wants to play, which I’ve talked to him, and I know he wants to play, I know what kind of competitor he is, then I’m happy for him that he’s having the opportunity to play. But I also pray for him that he doesn’t have any issues.”
Where Is Nick Saban Now?
After announcing his retirement on Jan. 10, 2024, coach Saban is enjoying his time with his daughter, grandson, son, and Terry (his wife).
However, Saban coached the Alabama crew for 17 long years, which makes it almost impossible to imagine that he’d just leave the game like that and not look back, which is why quickly after his retirement announcement, it was revealed that the seven-time national champ would be joining the ESPN College GameDay crew as an analyst.
Since the first week, Saban has seemingly been having the time of his life, especially with his newfound camaraderie with his co-host, Pat McAfee.