A huge decision is in play for Tua Tagovailoa after Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
The former Alabama quarterback suffered a concussion for the Miami Dolphins, an injury that is becoming a pattern.
Tagovailoa dealt with head and neck issues in 2022, but he was able to stay healthy in 2023 and produced strong numbers — including 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdown passes.
He made his first Pro Bowl and got a contract extension from the Dolphins, but old problems came back for the native Hawaiian.
Tony Gonzalez, a NFL Hall of Fame member, said it is time for Tagovailoa to look at retirement.
Gonzalez was a legendary tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, making 14 Pro Bowls, earning six first-team All-Pro honors, being on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, and is in the Chiefs’ Ring of Honor.
Tagovailoa will forever be remembered as a passing prodigy at the Elite 11 and giving Alabama fans “2nd and 26” to defeat Georgia on a 41-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Does he take this opportunity to retire? It remains to be seen, but he has a decision to make.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
