Famous concussion doctor implores Dolphins’ Tua to Retire

Amid Tua Tagovailoa’s recent concerning head and neck injuries, famous neurologist Dr. Bennet Omalu urges the Dolphins quarterback to walk away from the game. Omalu is most notable from the movie ‘Concussion’, a film based on Omalu’s real-life research and work into head injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

In a TMZ Sports video, Dr. Omalu pleads with Tua to retire after suffering a brutal head and neck injury last Thursday night in Cincinnati. In the video, Omalu estimated that Tua suffered severe, long-term and permanent brain damage during the play that left him unconscious and ultimately rushed to the hospital.

Dr. Omalu speaks directly to Tua in the video, telling him if he loves his family and himself, he needs to step away and never play another down of football. Omalu ends the video by telling Tua he loves him. It is a pretty compelling video when you consider the achievements and respect Dr. Omalu has attached to his name.

It would not be out of the question for someone like Tua to call it quits at such an early age. We’ve seen promising young players such as Andrew Luck, Chris Borland and Calvin Johnson all retire way too early out of fear of additional injuries. Professional football is a dangerous sport if one does not take care of oneself.

The Dolphins have been under a great deal of fire by the sports world who believe the team failed to do its due diligence in regards to Tua’s health. Even the NFLPA launched an investigation into the matter. Head coach Mike McDaniel cooled the intense flames of scrutiny by slamming any theory that the Dolphins concealed any head injury and that Tua was cleared by medical professionals to play. McDaniel and the Dolphins maintain there was absolutely no wrongdoing by the team amid the NFLPA investigation.

In the midst of all this adversity, the Miami Dolphins still have football games to play. They are still a 3-1 team leading the AFC East. While Tua recovers, the Dolphins are rolling with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater threw for 193 yards and a touchdown, but conceded a back-breaking interception in a relief effort in Cincinnati last Thursday night. The eighth-year veteran threw for over 3,000 yards along with 18 touchdowns last season for the Denver Broncos. Bridgewater may have to step up for a little while depending on how the Tua situation unfolds.

While Dr. Omalu’s research and medical opinions are nothing to scoff at, all signs point towards Tua returning to the field in the near future. Tua does remain in concussion protocol, but had a clean MRI scan on his neck, which is encouraging. Obviously Tua will remain out, including for this Sunday’s interdivisional matchup against the New York Jets, but it is safe to assume we will see him back for the Dolphins sometime this season.

Let’s all wish Tua a speedy and successful recovery.