‘I don’t think it’s appropriate’ Mike McDaniel in no doubt over Tua questions

Mike McDaniel was not interested in discussing Tua Tagovailoa’s future, focusing on the player’s health rather than questions about his career.

Fans and former NFL players continue to speculate about the future of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered the third diagnosed concussion of his pro career during Thursday night’s 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

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McDaniel addressed the media Friday morning in Miami, less than 24 hours after Tagovailoa’s latest concerning collision resulted in him leaving the field.

Any speculation about whether or not Tagovailoa should retire, McDaniel said, is premature at best and downright insensitive at worst.

As of Friday morning, the Dolphins QB has yet to undergo additional concussion testing and evaluation.

“I think it would be so wrong of me to even sniff that subject, and it’s more in line of actually caring about the human being,” McDaniel said.

“You’re talking about his career, you know? I just wish that people would hear what I’m saying; that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him.

“So I’m going to plead with everybody that does genuinely care, that should be the last thing on your mind.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate … when you’re talking about someone’s career, I think it probably is only fair that their career should be decided by them.”

It was a sentiment was echoed by former NFL pro Jason Bell, who went through the league’s concussion protocol during his six-year career and knows all about the sacrifices players make to get back on the field. 

“When I had a concussion, I went through [the NFL’s protocol], and it was fine,” Bell exclusively told talkSPORT.

“My worst concussion, I came back, went through [the protocol], then I went on the field for practice and I immediately got a headache.

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“And I knew, ‘Wow this is serious.’ The trainers saw that and they sat me down.

“I wanted to play, they would not let me play, and that was the best thing for me.

“We want to be out there, and especially when we’re looking at our teammates. If we’re healthy, we want to be on the field,” he continued.

“This is why we have a protocol in place, because they want to prevent players from just saying ‘You know what?

“Maybe I’m not sure, but I’m going to get out there with my teammates.’ They’re not allowing that to happen, they’re taking it out of the players’ hands and they’re making the decision.”

In a league where playing through injury is considered a badge of honor, there’s an inherent desire to get back on the field as fast as possible.

But when it comes to concussions, where symptoms might not reveal themselves for weeks or even years, the long-term ramifications must be considered.

Tagovailoa has an extensive concussion history, including missing a total of five games during the 2022 season due to two separate incidents, which is why, like McDaniel, Bell hopes Tagovailoa takes the time to talk to those closest to him before deciding his next move.

“He talked about speaking with his family before last year. ‘Do I want to play anymore?’” Bell said.

“So if he has multiple concussions this year, that’s definitely a situation where he’s going to sit down with his family and think ‘What am I doing? What is best for the longevity of my life, as a father, as a husband?’”

Watching on from the Amazon Prime broadcast booth, former Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez was among the first to raise the topic of Tagovailoa’s future.

“If I’m him, at this point, I’m seriously considering retiring from football,” Gonzalez said,

“If that was my son, I’d be like, ‘It might be time.’ This stuff is not what you play around with.”

Tagovailoa collided with Demar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills quarterback who has begun this season as a starter just 18 months after suffering a cardiac arrest following a hit to the head and chest after making a tackle.

The safety returned to the field last year after his miraculous recovery, and immediately took to social media after Thursday’s game to offer his support

“My love and prayers with @Tua fasho.. Sending you strength and healing for a speedy recovery, much love broski,” he posted to X.

The Dolphins are not back in action until next Sunday, but their extended break before they travel to Seattle is likely to be dominated by the health of their quarterback.

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