Nick Saban coached him at the University of Alabama, but now he has a chance to help him with something more serious.
Saban has a home in Florida, but he wants to talk and advise his former quarterback.
RELATED: NFL Hall of Famer says it’s time for Tua Tagovailoa to retire after latest concussion
Tua Tagovailoa played under Saban for the Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2019. He came off the bench as a freshman in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game to rescue the team to a national title victory over Georgia. The 2018 SEC Champion also became the No. 5 overall pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2020 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa was one of the most decorative quarterbacks in college football, but he has encountered multiple concussions in the National Football League.
The latest one happened Thursday night in the Dolphins matchup against Buffalo. Several people believe Tagovailoa needs to retire, but Saban offered his thoughts Friday on The Pat McAfee Show. He feels this should be a medical decision for Tagovailoa.
“Tua is such a great competitor and he’s a great person..
I think Tua and his family should listen to all the medical evidence and they shouldn’t be influenced by anybody else” ~ Nick Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/FXAnUWAzOP
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 13, 2024
“First off, I will talk to him today,” Saban said. “I have not been able to get a hold of him yet. We have gotten together on occasions and played golf in Florida in the offseason. Tua is such a great competitor, but I think this has to be a medical decision. You have to let medical people who understand the circumstances around these injuries, these concussions, and when you have multiple concussions that is not a good sign. I think Tua, his family, and everyone else should listen to the medical evidence to make sure you are not compromising your future, health wise by continuing to play football. That is a medical decision.”
Saban praised the person and competitive player Tagovailoa is.
He mentioned that during his time as Alabama’s quarterback, he always wanted to make the big play.
“You ask Tua how he’s doing & he’s gonna say I’m doing great and thanks for asking..
One thing he doesn’t know how to do is give up on a play..
He’s a competitive, tough minded guy that’s trying to set the tone for his team..
His teammates love him & I’ve never seen him ever… https://t.co/9VDMvDSEkj pic.twitter.com/CYOC2h5l4x
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 13, 2024
“One thing he does not know how to do is give up on a play,” Saban said.
“Even when he hurt his hip at Alabama, there was no where to go for the ball. (Henry) Ruggs was the receiver, but he fell down. There was nobody to throw it to, but he is still trying to make a play and takes a hit he does not need to take. I hated that he got hurt. I wish I would have taken him out the game, and it was the same thing with the play last night. He could have slid, he had a first down, but he is a competitive, tough-minded guy that’s trying to set the tone for his team. He ends up getting injured because of it.”
Hopefully, Saban is able to reach out to Tagovailoa and provide some great advice on his next move.
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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.
