Tua Tagovailoa: I’m Willing to Play the Odds

In football, much like life, you’ve got to know when to hold ’em, fold ’em, and walk away. But Tua Tagovailoa, who has always worn his love for the game on his sleeve, isn’t walking away just yet. After news broke that Tua will practice this week and is expected to suit up for Sunday’s game against Arizona, the Dolphins quarterback made it clear he’s fully committed, telling reporters, “I love the game (of football), and I love it to the death of me.”

Despite suffering a concussion earlier this season that’s kept him sidelined—not because he wasn’t cleared, but due to the fact that standard concussion protocol doesn’t apply to him given his history of head injuries—Tua has no plans of stepping away from the game he’s passionate about.

Tua’s passion for football has never been in doubt. Even after suffering a serious concussion earlier this year that has kept him sidelined, he’s made it clear that his love for the game outweighs the risks involved. “There are odds in everything,” Tua remarked on Monday. “How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning and drive to work?” His question framed football as just another aspect of life, where risk is always present but shouldn’t paralyze us from doing what we love. For Tua, that means taking the field once more, fully aware of the dangers, yet determined to persevere.

The concussion that sidelined Tua earlier this season wasn’t just another injury; it raised serious concerns due to his history with head trauma. Although medically cleared weeks ago, Tua has been forced to remain on the bench longer than most because standard concussion protocols don’t apply to him. His history has caused the team and doctors to err on the side of caution. Nevertheless, Tua expressed no hesitation about returning to the field when the time came, dispelling any speculation that he might be reconsidering his future. His steadfast attitude is a testament to his determination and deep connection to the game.

Despite concerns for his safety, Tua has opted not to wear the Guardian Cap—a padded helmet cover designed to reduce the impact of blows to the head. When asked why, Tua simply said it was a “personal choice.”

Head coach Mike McDaniel, who has been vocal in his support of Tua throughout his recovery, didn’t downplay the significance of the quarterback’s return but was quick to temper expectations. “He’s not the savior,” McDaniel stated, emphasizing that while Tua’s presence will undoubtedly bolster the team, a single player can’t shoulder the burden of rescuing the Dolphins from their 2-4 start. It will take a full team effort to dig the team out of the hole that they created themselves.”

That said, Tua’s return is still a cause for optimism. His absence has left a noticeable void in the Dolphins’ offense, which has looked deflated and lifeless. The spark that Tua brings to the field is hard to replicate, and his leadership on and off the field has been sorely missed. Even though the Dolphins suffered a tough Week 7 loss to the Colts, the prospect of having their starting quarterback back in action could mark a turning point for the season.

For Dolphins fans, Tua’s return offers a glimmer of hope. His resilience and passion for the game, even in the face of adversity, are qualities that inspire belief not only in his abilities but in the team’s potential to turn the season around. Though one player can’t single-handedly save a franchise, there’s no denying the impact that a player of Tua’s caliber can have. As the team prepares to face Arizona in Week 8, the Dolphins may once again find themselves competitive, with Tua at the helm and renewed energy coursing through their offense.

In the end, football is a game of odds, and Tua is more than willing to play them. The risks are clear, but for him, the love of the game far outweighs any hesitation. His return may not guarantee success, but it gives the Dolphins something they’ve been sorely missing: a fighting chance.