MIAMI, Nov. 13 (UPI) — Tua Tagovailoa often gives fans pause by putting his head in harm’s way, but the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, with a history of high-profile concussions, says it’s “too hard” to protect himself during high-speed NFL action.
Tagovailoa commented on his latest violent run-in as Dolphins players met Wednesday at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The star quarterback, who missed eight of his last possible 39 starts because of concussions, had another close call Sunday when he attempted to make a tackle after an interception against the Los Angeles Rams.
But he said he “wouldn’t have done anything differently” on the play, which resulted in linebacker Christian Rozeboom’s shin hitting the right side of the quarterback’s helmet. Tagovailoa, who remained in the game, says he “didn’t feel” the contact.
“I would say it’s just going out there and being a football player, not thinking of anything else,” Tagovailoa said. “Not thinking of the repercussions that could happen — somebody’s going to hit me, or they won’t hit me.
“I would say it’s just sort of too hard to be thinking of protect myself here when I’m trying to make a play and things like that.”
INTERCEPTED!
@ESPNNFL | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/dRlwcBUzgS— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 12, 2024
Tagovailoa missed 4 of 9 starts this season as a result of his third documented concussion, which he sustained in Week 2. He has taken several steps to better protect himself from head injuries, including practicing ji-jitsu as a way to absorb contact and fall safely. He also wears a quarterback-specific helmet — the VICIS ZERO2 MATRIX ID QB.
He has called his decision to not wear a Guardian Cap — a soft-shell, padded helmet cover designed to reduce force from head contact — “a personal choice.”
NFL chief medical doctor Allen Sills has said that Tagovailoa’s helmet was deemed “Guardian Cap optional” as laboratory testing showed the helmet “was doing as good a job of mitigating the force as a regular helmet plus a Guardian Cap.”
Running back De’Von Achane is the only Dolphins player who wears a Guardian Cap in games. Most NFL players are required to wear Guardian Caps during training camp practices and regular-season contact practices — unless they have designated, position-specific helmets.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel cited the “different circumstances” in which Tagovailoa sustained impact to his head so far during his NFL career. Tagovailoa’s lone reported concussion this season occurred after he lowered his head into a defender while on the run.
His previous two concussions occurred after the back of his head it the ground while he was being tackled.
“I think Tua has a deep understanding of the ramifications of him being irresponsible with the ball in his hands,” McDaniel said. “In my opinion, Tua’s reaction to the tackle [versus the Rams] was probably different when he watched it on film than what he was thinking was occurring live speed.”
But outside of not throwing the interception that sparked the play — and using better tackling form — Tagovailoa said he would make the same decision in pursuing the Rams’ ball carrier. Still, McDaniel said he expects “adjustments” from his quarterback.
“I think he’s visually seen [on game film] how he was a little vulnerable and I expect him to make the adjustments as he’s made all sorts of different adjustments in his game that aren’t strictly just how he protects himself, but how he plays,” McDaniel said.
The Dolphins, who are 2-6 in games Tagovailoa has missed because of concussions, obviously need their quarterback on the field more than ever if they want to rally from 3-6 and into playoff contention.
Veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who joins Tagovailoa as one of the Dolphins’ eight captains, said the team leaders have not discussed Tagovailoa’s ability to protect himself.
“We do meet weekly and we do talk about things, but that is not one of them,” Sieler said.
Tagovailoa’s competitive nature often provides the team with a spark, but he faces delicate reality — balancing his football instincts with the foresight of team — and potentially career-impacting decisions, like putting his body in vulnerable situations.
“I would say it’s just going out there and being a football player and not thinking of anything else,” Tagovailoa said. “Not thinking of the repercussions that could happen, somebody is going to hit me or they wont hit me. I would say it’s just that.”
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins will host the Las Vegas Raiders at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Miami Gardens.