‘The sport is designed for this to happen’: Tua Tagovailoa is not an exception

Tua Tagovailoa's latest concussion has prompted calls for Dolphins' $212m quarterback to retire. Those well-intentioned pleas should not be the main takeaway

In Thursday night's NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, Miami's $212m quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his fourth documented concussion, and third since joining the NFL, after colliding with defensive back Damar Hamlin, who himself nearly died in a game less than two years ago. The reactions from inside the football world were immediate and telling.

Dez Bryant, longtime Dallas Cowboys wide receiver: That's it ... NFL go ahead and do the right thing. Tua has had entirely way too many concussions. He need to retire for his longevity health concerns."

Shannon Sharpe: three-time Super Bowl champion turned pundit: Really hope Tua is ok, but he's gotta seriously think about shutting it [down]. I [hate] saying this. His concussions are getting worse and worse and he's a young man with his entire life ahead of him."

Antonio Bryant, former All-Pro wide receiver: In all seriousness Tua may want to rethink playing football in the future depending on severity. Concussions not something to mess with."

Robert Griffin III, Heisman trophy winner: Really just praying for Tua's long term health. Another concussion puts him at 3 officially and countless other scares. Think of the person not just the player."

Nathan Kalman-Lamb is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick. Derek Silva is Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology at King's University College at Western University. They are co-authors of The End of College Football: On the Human Cost of an All-American Game (UNC Press, November 2024) and co-hosts (with Johanna Mellis) of The End of Sport podcast.