As he prepares to return after missing four games after a concussion, Tua Tagovailoa said Monday that he will bypass wearing a guardian cap that reduces the risk of concussions.
“Personal choice,” he said.
chane is the first Dolphins player to wear the protective headgear,which became an option for NFL players this season.Guardian caps create an extra soft-shelled layer of padding over thetraditional football helmet. They can absorb at least 10 percent ofthe force of a hit, according to NFL research.
But Tagovailoa added: “I’ve got to be smart, stay more available for the team, my guys.”
What would Tagovailoa say to people who are concerned about his health?
“I appreciate your concern,” he said. “I love this game and I love it to the death of me.”
Tagovailoa addressed other issues:
▪ Tagovailoa said he never had any symptoms since the Sept. 12 concussion.
▪ He said there was any discussion of retiring and he never received any advice to retire that he considered.
“Had some conversations with my wife,” he said.
▪ He said doctors did him the long-term risks of having a lot of concussions.
“There is a gray area when it comes to that – if you know if you’re going to get longterm disease or are not. This is what makes me happy. And I’m going to do it. That’s it.”
▪ Would Tagovailoa ever object a doctor’s request to sit out for an extended period after future concussion?
“It’s based off whatever that individual feels,” he said. “If you feel like you can go, [you can go]. This is only becoming a thing because of what happened two years ago [when he seemed to sustain two concussions in five days].
“We don’t look at hockey players and boxers the same way, that it’s becoming more of an issue here in the league.”
▪ Tagovailoa, on dealing with multiple concussions in his life, said: “I’m frustrated but this is what it is. Do I want to be known for this? No I don’t. But this is the cards I’ve been dealt with.”
▪ He said: “I don’t put any pressure on myself to save the team.
▪ Did the Dolphins make a mistake putting him on injured reserve, sidelining him for five games?
“What I know is the team did what is best in the interests of me,” he said. “Given what the doctors have told me, having a substantial amount of time to rest and recover, they did what was best, protecting myself from myself.”
▪ He said he has been throwing for several weeks.
▪ How much risk is he taking by continuing to play?
“Everything takes risks. Every time we all suit up, we’re all taking a risk we could potentially get hurt. I’m willing to play the odds.”