'It's not worth it': Coach's retirement plea to star QB amid 'irony' in ...

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin has sent a heartfelt message of support to Tua Tagovailoa on social media after the Dolphins quarterback suffered a scary concussion during the Bills’ 31-10 win on Friday morning (AEST).

Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year $315m (AUD) extension in July, was hunting a first down as he rushed through the Bills’ defensive line before his head collided with Hamlin.

Hamlin became a household name in January 2023 when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals and was hospitalised in critical condition.

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Thankfully, he would be released from hospital a week later and make a full recovery.

Hamlin also spoke to The Athletic’s Tim Graham following the Bills win, recounting his “trauma” when discussing Tagovailoa’s situation.

The Dolphins star has a history of concussion during his short football career so far, having suffered two during 2022.

“I was just trying to make a routine tackle, trying to get them off the field on fourth down,” Hamlin said.

“It’s trauma. It will always be there,” Hamlin continued, talking about his brave battle since his near-death experience.

“I’m able to not be affected by it because of the work that I’ve done. I went through trauma therapy. I have a psychologist I talk to. It’s allowed me to push my mind forward, and push my process forward.”

Amazon broadcaster Al Michaels remarked that there was “irony” in Hamlin’s tackle attributing to Tagovailoa’s concussion, which led to some outrage on social media.

“A little irony there, he got hit by Damar Hamlin. You know that history.”

Tagovailoa’s latest concussion has led to calls for the Dolphins star to retire, with Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce joining the chorus.

On Friday, Pierce was asked about the scary scene, and answered by referencing the quarterback’s concussion history.

“I’ll be honest, I’d tell him to retire,” Pierce said in his press conference ahead of the Raiders’ matchup with the Ravens on Sunday.

“It’s not worth it. It’s not worth it.

“I played the game, I haven’t witnessed anything like I’ve seen that’s happened to him three times. Scary. You can see right away, the players’ faces on the field. You can see the sense of urgency to get Tua help.

“I just think that at some point, you know, he’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”

It’s rare for an active coach to weigh in on an injury of an opposing player, especially considering Pierce — a Super Bowl champion and former Pro-Bowl linebacker with the Giants — is a former Giants linebacker known for his rugged style.

ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes noted that when she reacted to Pierce’s comments in post on X.

Pierce is not alone though.

Former NFL stars, including Tony Gonzalez, called for the 26-year-old Tagovailoa to reconsider playing football for his long-term health after Thursday’s scary scene.

Tagovailoa was ruled out Thursday’s game and diagnosed with a concussion just minutes after he rushed for a first down on fourth-and-4 and was tackled by Hamlin.

After the play, Tagovailoa fell to the ground and went into a fencing position, which is a term used to describe a person’s arms going into an unnatural pose.

Players from both teams immediately knelt down on the field as medical staff tended to Tagovailoa for several minutes.

The quarterback was able to walk off of the field and to the locker room under his own power.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa was in “good spirits” when he left Hard Rock Stadium and was going to get medical testing done Friday.

While speaking to local media Friday morning, McDaniel made it clear he would not entertain the subject of Tagovailoa’s playing future — and said the quarterback had not yet gotten further 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 — his career is his … I just wish that people would for a second hear what I’m saying, that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him.”

McDaniel — who said Tagovailoa was sleeping when he tried to contact him about an hour before addressing the media — emphasised there is no timeline for the quarterback.

“The only two opinions that really matter that are the absolute driving force for what we’re doing at that position: Tua and the doctors,” McDaniel said.

“If I am a betting man, I’m guessing that those two people — I don’t see how he would play in the next game.

“I don’t see it, but who am I to know or judge? But I think it’s a fair assessment to be prepared to have three quarterbacks on a roster for the next game, that we’ll need to add one for that game.”

Tagovailoa now will have to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol.

The Dolphins have 10 days until their Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks in Seattle.