Jordan Ellis
Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, was rushed to the hospital after sustaining head and neck injuries during a game. Despite displaying symptoms of severe head trauma, Tagovailoa was controversially cleared to fly home with the team. This decision sparked outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness of concussion protocols in the NFL. Tagovailoa's injury and subsequent discharge from the hospital have brought to light the complex issues surrounding athlete safety and the potential influence of the athletes themselves in their evaluation and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tua Tagovailoa |
| Sport | American Football |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Team | Miami Dolphins |
| Date of Incident | 24 October 2021 |
| Opponent | Atlanta Falcons |
| Stadium | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Injury | Head, neck, and back injuries |
| Action Taken | Tagovailoa was stretchered off the field and transported to hospital |
| Hospital | University of Cincinnati Medical Center |
| Discharged | Yes, and flew home with the team |
| Concussion Protocol | Entered concussion protocol |
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What You'll Learn
Tua Tagovailoa's injury history
Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, has had a rough injury history since he began his college career at the University of Alabama in 2017. Tagovailoa has suffered multiple concussions, as well as other injuries, throughout his time in both college and professional football.
In 2019, during his junior year at Alabama, Tagovailoa suffered a high ankle sprain against Tennessee, which required surgery. He returned three weeks later but sustained further injuries in his next game against Mississippi State. On that occasion, he fractured his pelvis, dislocated his hip, broke his nose, and suffered his first concussion. Despite these injuries, Tagovailoa declared for the 2020 NFL draft and was selected by the Miami Dolphins.
Tagovailoa's injury woes continued into his professional career. In September 2022, he suffered his third concussion in an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills. He displayed a "fencing response," indicative of a traumatic brain injury, and was placed on injured reserve by the Dolphins. In addition to his concussions, Tagovailoa has also dealt with back and ankle injuries during his time in the NFL.
Tagovailoa's most recent concussion, in September 2024, has led to speculation about his future in the NFL. However, reports indicate that he has no plans to retire. The Dolphins placed him on injured reserve again, meaning he will miss a minimum of four games.
Throughout his career, Tagovailoa has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to his health and team. While his injury history is concerning, he has consistently worked towards recovery and returning to the field when cleared by medical professionals.
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Concussion protocol in the NFL
In 2011, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee—a board of independent and NFL-affiliated physicians, scientists, and NFL Players Association advisors—developed the NFL Game Day Concussion Diagnosis and Management Protocol. The protocol is reviewed annually to ensure that players receive the most up-to-date care in terms of concussion identification, diagnosis, and treatment.
When a player sustains a head impact, they enter the Concussion Protocol if they exhibit or report symptoms suggestive of a concussion, or a stinger (a nerve pinch injury). Additionally, various individuals, including the team Athletic Trainer, team Physician, or a coach, can initiate the protocol. The player is then immediately removed from the game and taken to the sideline for a concussion assessment.
The NFL's concussion protocol is a complex, five-step process. Players undergo an initial examination by a team doctor, an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, or an athletic trainer. If the examiners suspect a concussion, the player enters the protocol, which includes follow-up neurological exams and periodic evaluations by the medical team. Players are not permitted to return to play during this time and must rest, avoiding any activities that could worsen their symptoms.
After progressing through the five steps and being cleared for full participation by their club physician, players must obtain clearance from an Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) jointly approved by the NFL and NFLPA. Only after receiving clearance from this independent physician can a player return to contact practice or play in an NFL game. There is no set timeframe for returning to participation, as each player and concussion is unique. The player's current injury, past exposures, medical history, family history, and future risk are all considered in their care and management.
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Tagovailoa's return to play
After displaying symptoms of severe head trauma during a game, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Tagovailoa's hands began to contract, indicating decorticate posturing and severe brain trauma. He was diagnosed with head and neck injuries, and the Miami Dolphins announced that he had suffered a concussion and would enter the concussion protocol.
Tagovailoa was discharged from the hospital and flew home with the team to South Florida, where he underwent further testing and met with neurologists. He was cleared to resume playing and returned to practice, vowing to play "smart". Tagovailoa said he would not wear a Guardian Cap, calling it a "personal choice".
His return to the field was met with conflicting feelings due to the nature of his injury and the potential risks associated with returning to play too soon after a concussion. However, Tagovailoa was determined to get back on the field, doing what he believes he was born to do. In his first game back, he completed 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown, infusing Miami's offense with life.
Despite his impressive individual performance, the Dolphins lost to the Arizona Cardinals, with their defense collapsing in the second half and allowing a last-second comeback. Tagovailoa's health remained a primary concern, and he escaped the game unscathed, with his faculties intact.
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The role of the Dolphins' medical staff
The Miami Dolphins' medical staff plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of the players. The team includes physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals who provide a range of services, from preventative care to treating injuries and overseeing the players' recovery.
In the case of Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins' quarterback, the medical staff's role was particularly prominent. Tagovailoa suffered a severe injury during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, displaying symptoms of decorticate posturing, which indicated significant head and neck trauma. The medical staff's immediate response was to have him rushed to the hospital University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and kept under observation.
The Dolphins' medical team, led by Dr. John Uribe, Dr. Gautam Yagnik, and Dr. Michael Swartzon, continued to monitor Tagovailoa's condition and ensured he received the necessary treatment. They also kept the public informed about his progress, with Dr. Swartzon stating that they were "doing everything [they] can" for the players. Tagovailoa was eventually discharged from the hospital and flown back to Miami with the team, where he continued his recovery and underwent further testing.
The medical staff's role extends beyond just treating injuries. They also focus on preventative care, conducting regular physicals and overseeing the players' overall health and well-being. This includes addressing concerns such as heat-related illnesses and concussions, which are common in contact sports like football. The Dolphins' collaboration with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care also ensures that the players have access to state-of-the-art medical facilities and expertise.
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Tagovailoa's flight and recovery
On September 30, 2022, Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, suffered head and neck injuries during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tagovailoa was sacked in the second quarter, and his fingers started to contract, indicating severe head trauma. He was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and kept under observation.
Tagovailoa was conscious and displayed movement in his extremities, which was a positive sign. The Dolphins organization announced that he would be discharged from the hospital and fly home with the team that Thursday night. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Tagovailoa was back at his home in South Florida and was in "good spirits."
Tagovailoa's recovery process was closely monitored, and he entered the NFL's concussion protocol. There was no timetable set for his return to the field, and the decision was left exclusively to medical experts. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel expressed his support for Tagovailoa's recovery, stating that his priority was for Tagovailoa to focus on his health. McDaniel also faced questions about his handling of Tagovailoa's initial injury, as there was controversy surrounding the quarterback's clearance to play in the game.
Tagovailoa's recovery and future in the NFL remained uncertain. He was placed on injured reserve and would miss at least four games. While there were reports indicating he had "no plans to retire," the long-term impact of his concussion history remained a concern.
Previously, in 2018, Tagovailoa had also flown via private plane to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta during awards season. This was following left ankle surgery, and the plane was equipped with the necessary rehab equipment to facilitate his recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center via ambulance after sustaining injuries during a game.
Yes, Tua flew back home with the team after being discharged from the hospital.
Tua suffered serious head and neck injuries, displaying symptoms of decorticate posturing, which is indicative of severe head trauma. He was later diagnosed with a concussion.
