At a information convention, the high-profile quarterback did not elaborate on why he would not put on the additional layer of safety, calling it a “private alternative”. Tagovailoa additionally advised reporters he did not really feel symptomatic the day after the head-first collision with Buffalo Bills security Damar Hamlin, which led to his newest concussion on “Thursday Evening Soccer.”
When requested if this is able to change his aggressive fashion of play whereas operating with the ball, Tagovailoa stated he wanted to be good shifting ahead.
“My total time taking part in soccer I have been a competitor and that’s, or was, form of my edge after I would run,” he explained. “From highschool to school I would do the identical factor. But it surely’s an expert setting, that is the skilled stage with the very best of the very best and you may’t simply be doing that. So, I undoubtedly gotta keep extra out there for the staff, for the group and for our guys.”
Whereas this reply sounds reassuring, it is arduous to really feel like Tagovailoa is approaching his return safely with out contemplating using a Guardian Cap. The cap is a mushy, protective helmet cover that the NFL has approved to be used throughout video games, however since it isn’t obligatory, most gamers select to not put on them.
Presently, the one participant on the Dolphins sporting a Guardian Cap is operating again De’Von Achane, who determined to put on one after coming back from his personal concussion.
In accordance to the league, there was a 52% lower within the concussion charges over the past three years for gamers who wore Guardian Caps in contrast with those that did not. The caps have been additionally mandated all through this 12 months’s preseason the place the NFL recorded 44 concussions — a decrease of 24% from the 2023 preseason.
Nonetheless, concussions stay a controversial drawback within the NFL and Tagovailoa has been on the middle of this controversy between his a number of concussions and alarming fencing response to them. Fencing is an involuntary place that happens after a mind damage and the picture of Tagovailoa on his again along with his fingers awkwardly splayed out in entrance of him has left its mark on nationwide audiences.
Coaches, players and pundits alike have recommended that Tagovailoa ought to retire and put his well being first. Whereas that call is as much as the quarterback, it is nonetheless unlucky he did not meaningfully handle the Guardian Caps, as any widespread success of the caps will depend upon star gamers advocating for his or her use.
For now, Tagovailoa is setting an alarming precedent by dismissing the Guardian Caps. And whereas he is stated he’ll play smarter, it is arduous to think about him not doing no matter he can to avoid wasting the Dolphins’ 2–4 season.
“I respect your concern, I actually do,” he advised reporters. “I really like this recreation, and I find it irresistible to the dying of me. That is it.”
