During the third quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on September 12, 2024, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was knocked to the ground following a collision with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The incident took place while the teams faced off in a closely contested match. The photograph was captured by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced another setback during a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills, reviving concerns about his health. Tagovailoa has been at the centre of many health discussions after multiple concussions in the 2022 season, leading him to briefly consider retiring. However, after much contemplation, he returned for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, a chilling reminder of his injury-prone past occurred during a crucial play in this game.
In the third quarter, with the Dolphins trailing 31-10, Tagovailoa attempted to convert a fourth-and-4 run but collided hard with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Instead of sliding to avoid contact, Tagovailoa lowered his head and charged forward, leading to a violent hit that left him lying on the field. He struggled to rise but eventually limped off to the locker room, unable to return to the game. His replacement, Skylar Thompson, took over, but the Bills dominated and secured a decisive 31-10 victory.
Shortly after Tagovailoa’s exit, it was confirmed that he had suffered another concussion. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his concern for the quarterback, stating that his primary focus was Tagovailoa's well-being rather than a timeline for his return. McDaniel's sentiment was shared by many within the Dolphins organization, who were deeply worried about their quarterback's health and future.
Tagovailoa, who signed a lucrative four-year, $212.4 million contract in July, had entered this season with renewed optimism, following a stellar 2022 season. Last year, he recorded career highs in passing yards and touchdowns, which seemed to put his previous health struggles in the rearview. However, with this latest concussion, questions surrounding his long-term health and ability to continue playing have resurfaced.
The Dolphins' performance during the game against the Bills was overshadowed by Tagovailoa's injury. Buffalo’s running back, James Cook, scored three touchdowns, and the Bills' defence added a pick-6 to the scoreline. Tagovailoa struggled during the game, throwing three interceptions, including a critical pick-6 in the third quarter, which contributed to the Dolphins' defeat.
After the game, Thompson, who filled in for Tagovailoa, expressed deep concern for his teammate, stating how much he cares for Tagovailoa as a person. Even Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen expressed sympathy, calling Tagovailoa one of the best human beings in the sport and offering prayers for his recovery.
Damar Hamlin, who was involved in the hit, extended his well-wishes to Tagovailoa on social media. Hamlin, who experienced his traumatic on-field event in the past, empathized with the seriousness of Tagovailoa’s situation.
As the news of Tagovailoa's injury spread, some former NFL stars weighed in on whether the quarterback should consider retiring. Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, Richard Sherman, and Dez Bryant all suggested that Tagovailoa should reflect on his future and consider stepping away from the game to prioritize his long-term health.
After suffering multiple concussions, Tagovailoa himself had considered retirement in the past, and with this latest injury, concerns for his future extend beyond just a return date. His well-being and ability to sustain a long career in the NFL remain uncertain.
