Should Tua Tagovailoa Retire? Doctor Explains

Should Tua Tagovailoa retire from the NFL after sustaining his third concussion?

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I'm a doctor and a sports fan and this channel is dedicated to exploring the unique medical side of the world of sports, including NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC, and many more! Breaking down the biggest what ifs, historical injuries and stories, and making learning about medicine fun and relevant for all sports fans!

DISCLAIMER: Content not intended to be taken as medical advice. Opinions are my own and do not represent those of my employer. I have not personally treated or evaluated the individual(s) discussed in this video. Content used with educational and transformative intent within Fair Use Guidelines
Content owned and produced by Brian Sutterer LLC 2024

[xMAx]

Dr. Sutterer: “I think we all need to take a breath here and take a step back…”

Comment section: “Absolutely fucking not”

[jbirzer]

My concern is that he's not changing his game to protect himself from these injuries. I get that he was trying to get a first down, but he needs to know he can't play like that and invite those injuries. Slide, or try to avoid the guy in front of you instead of trying to truck him. The whole thing was avoidable.

[CommandoBanano]

4 concussions in HS, 1 in college ball. Wish I retired after the first, I'm 26, and I still have constant headaches and forgetfulness. Health is tenfold times more important than any sport accolade.

[SymSne]

I wish I quit in early high school after the 4th diagnosed concussion. I can feel the effects in my early 30s. I dread my later years.

[connorwogen]

I have had 5 concussions from football. Played tackle from 2nd grade up through high school. Was supposed to play in college but after my 5th concussion senior year of high school I couldn’t find any doctor to clear me to continue playing. I saw three different doctors after my fourth concussion, and i wasn’t cleared to play again until I saw the third doctor. And even he told me he probably shouldn’t clear me and was going against his better judgement.

Two years ago I got my sixth concussion in a freak accident. Since that concussion, I have never been the same. My head feels like a balloon that’s gonna explode 24/7, for over two years. I used to be deans list at a good university, and now I can barely type a paragraph or look at screens.

It’s not worth it. If I could go back I wouldn’t play. As someone who is/was a DIEHARD football fan, i will never allow my kids to play this game. As amazing as the game is, it’s just not worth it. You don’t realize the effects multiple head injuries has on you until it’s too late….

[mladenovic]

post concussion syndrome is a living nightmare, I hope this young man has a healthy environment to help him make the right decision

[tenspeed]

can I tell Tua I don’t want to see him die on the field

[brockjensen]

For me the most concerning thing is his decision making. Bro is out there likes he’s a prime Cam Newton. You ain’t 6’5” 245lbs bro you’re like 6’1” 205lbs you can’t run over a god damn safety 😂

[TheTaulke]

I don't think people are talking enough about his decision making on the field. Dude led head first into Damar Hamlin, when Hamlin was basically just standing there in the way. Why would a QB do that? Why not just slide? If he is incapable of making choices to protect his health and live to play another down maybe he isn't fit to play in the NFL.

[OC]

I was halfway through the video, then it went private. I was like, "Dang, Google got opinions on Tua."

[thethpackbrewbuck]

Agreed, all up to Tua, his family, and his doctors, it probably will take time to make a firm decision but the decision isn't up to us, it's up to Tua at the end of the day

[tpacejr]

At the end of the day, He needs to At least be told the risk of continuing to play before making a decision. If he takes a risk and keeps playing so be it, it’s his decision.

[JeffKemp]

(5) total concussion in his football career. (1) in college, (3) in 2022 season, (1) last night.. I’m not a doctor but wish him the best in whatever decision he makes.

[stvjrmllo]

I’m sorry for nitpicking, but you keep saying he had a concussion last year. His last concussion was in 2022. Either way, I always appreciate the expertise you provide about injuries. 🙏

[yaboyjay]

The fact that he gets concussed repeatedly in a very severe manner on plays that others can just shake off should tell you something. If Tua ruptured a ligament over and over, he'd retire immediately. His brain is even more important than a ligament, so the answer should be clear.

[Iamjustavibe]

Dr if Tua was your son would you recommend that he continue to play or retire

[gxdldty]

This is why the NFL needs to start penalizing OFFENSIVE players for leading with the crown of their helmet. To be clear, as the rule is written, they should be, but refs almost never enforce it this way.

Offensive players do this so often, and it's the primarily cause of contact to the helmet. When the target you're trying to tackle lowers himself and scrunches up as small as possible to brace for impact, it is nearly impossible for a defender to not hit that target in the head or neck area, which is the primary point the offensive player is leading with.

If the league actually enforced this penalty on offensive players, they'd be much less likely to do this, and you'd see a significant decline in concussions. It would also make the game fairer all around if both offense and defense have to play by the same rules.

[denniskasiyan]

Browns 3 time Pro Bowler star corner Denzel Ward suffered his 5th concussion since 2018 this past training camp and no made a fuss about having him retire. Odd to see all this pressure on Tua and no one caring about Ward.

[vicsstang]

Less about him needing to retire because of injury for me. He is not learning from his mistakes he keeps putting himself in harms way more than necessary.

[Anandroid]

He has enough money for a lifetime and to take care of him and his family. It ain’t worth it and he needs to live the rest of his life as healthy as possible. Live life Tua