Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showed remarkable disregard for his safety on Monday night when he dove into a tangle of limbs after an interception, intentionally putting himself in harm’s way. Fortunately, he escaped serious injury this time, avoiding another concussion.
Asked about the play during a Wednesday press conference, Tagovailoa downplayed the incident, stating it “didn’t feel as bad as what it probably looked like.” He explained that while their coach pointed out linebacker Christian Rozeboom’s knee contact with his head during a review of the tape, he wasn’t about to step aside and allow an easy touchdown. “You’ve got to make decisions,” remarked Tagovailoa, acknowledging his decision to pursue the tackle was ultimately avoidable had he not thrown the interception in the first place.
He remained firm in his stance when questioned about whether he would alter his approach in a similar situation: “I wouldn’t do anything differently,” Tua asserted. He added, “I’ll make the tackle; that’s what I’ve got to do. It is what it is. It’s hard to score in this league.”
While scoring points presents a significant challenge, so does avoiding brain injuries, as evident from the Dolphins’ struggles after Tua left last Monday’s game. Presumably, giving up a touchdown is preferable to losing their starting quarterback for an extended period.
Perhaps it’s a coping mechanism or a reckless streak of courage, but Tagovailoa seems to accept concussions as inevitable. He operates under the belief that they are preordained and uncontrollable. However, this line of thinking is flawed. Players have the ability to minimize their risk of head injuries.
For reasons unknown, Tua appears unwilling to consider these preventative measures. One could speculate he feels consciously contemplating injury avoidance hinders his performance on the field. Yet, if concussions continue to plague him, this becomes a moot point as it ultimately robs him of his ability to play altogether.
It undoubtedly takes courage for athletes to step onto the field knowing full well the risks associated with their sport. However, Tua’s next concussion isn’t written in the stars; he retains more control over his health than he acknowledges. By implementing safer practices – such as getting out of bounds, sliding, releasing the ball promptly, and falling in a way that protects his head – or by avoiding unnecessary interventions after turnovers, he can significantly reduce his vulnerability. Tragically, he chooses not to prioritize these protective measures to the extent they warrant.
