TUA TAGOVAILOA’S reasons for refusing to retire have been revealed by Fox NFL Sunday star Jay Glazer.
The Miami Dolphins star returned on Sunday for their Week 8 clash against the Arizona Cardinals.
It was his first time on the field since suffering a concussion against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 of the 2024-25 NFL season.
It was the fourth suspected head injury of his short career so far, with many fearing for his long-term health.
There has been calls for him to retire from the game, and focus on his future by fans and analysts.
But Tua wanted to continue, and came back against the Cardinals, which the Dolphins lost 28-27.
There had also been calls for him to wear a guardian cap going forward, to protect his head, which he refused to do.
And the reasons for Tua not hanging up his cleats have finally been revealed by Fox star Glazer on Sunday afternoon.
Host Curt Menefee asked on the show what the latest on the ex-Alabama quarterback was.
“Exactly how did we get to this point with Tua?,” Menefee asked Glazer.
“Here’s the deal, Tua, obviously he is fully active,” replied the Fox NFL Sunday reporter, telling viewers at home.
“He cleared the concussion protocol.
“He’s gotten opinion after opinion, dealt with several medical professionals.
“He’s not even wearing the guardian cap out there.
“He says ‘I’ve got to take better calculated risks, I understand that’.
“‘I also understand how many people are against this decision, not really understanding why I’ve come back’.
NFL head coach annual salaries
1. Andy Reid - Chiefs - $20 million
2. Sean Payton – Broncos – $18 million
=3. Mike Tomlin – Steelers – $16 million
=3. Jim Harbaugh – Chargers – $16 million
5. Sean McVay – Rams – $15 million
6. Kyle Shanahan – 49ers – $14 million
7. John Harbaugh – Ravens – $12 million
=8. Dan Campbell – Lions – $11 million
=8. Sean McDermott – Bills – $11 million
10. Mike MacDonald – Seahawks – $10 million
“Every time you talk to someone with Tua, they’re like ‘there’s other things that go into it’.
“Tua is just as concerned if he doesn’t have football.
“When that uniform comes off, when you lose that team.
“That can be a scary world also, he wants people to understand that as well.”
Glazer’s claims suggest Tua is concerned with his mental health wellbeing if he was forced to retire at such a young age.
Tua returned with 246 yards and one touchdown against the Cardinals.
He had only cleared concussion protocol on Friday, having not played since 12 September.
