Former soccer player, whose career suffered due to concussion, is ‘scared’ for Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

Taylor Twellman, whose career ended due to concussions, expressed his concern over Tua Tagovailoa's return after his third concussion.

Former soccer player, whose career suffered due to concussion, is ‘scared’ for Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

Taylor Twellman and Tua Tagovailoa (Via NBC News/Imago)

Tua Tagovailoa, who recently sustained a third concussion in the past four years, is trending all over the news lately over his upcoming return to the football field in Week 8 of the NFL 2024 regular season. But looks like he is attracting attention outside the arena of the NFL, as a former soccer player expressed his concern over the quarterback’s return. 

Suffering a concussion is known to be extremely dangerous, let alone three. That’s why when the Miami Dolphins quarterback went into concussion protocol in Week 2, many people advised him to retire. However, he isn’t ready to hang his cleats so soon that’s why after spending a month in recovery, he is all set for the upcoming NFL matchup. 

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Although the Pro Bowler has planned to avoid the risk of injuries more, another concussion could turn up pretty badly for him. Being someone who has suffered the ill fate of concussions, Taylor Twellman laid out his concerns over Tagovailoa’s injury and his plan to keep playing. 

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I’m scared for Tua. And I’m just gonna be honest, I’m scared. I think the words that he used, ‘The love of football ’til the death of me,’ all of that; I’m just scared. All I pray for and hope for him is that he’s asking the right people for non-committal advice on the football part, just as a human being.

Taylor Twellman on The Dan Le Batard Show

Twellman also opened up about the moment when his “life changed forever,” as he sustained a head injury after being punched by the goalkeeper in 2008. Even though there wasn’t much information or medical facilities available at that time, he knew it was time for him to bid goodbye to his career. 

Taylor Twellman advised Tua Tagovailoa to stay informed ahead of return

Speaking from a point of concern, Twellman advised the Dolphins’ quarterback to be well-informed before stepping foot on the field on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Considering the alarming number of concussions sustained by Tagovailoa, the former USMNT striker advised him to understand how it impacts the brain as it also affects his loved ones. 

Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa (Image via IMAGO)

I will 100 percent support Tua and I will 100% respect the decision, but there is no way now knowing what we know and knowing where we’re going that I can’t sit here in this camera and tell you, your listeners, and the world that I’m not scared.

Taylor Twellman added

Twellman’s fears and concerns are reasonable, especially given how his career ended, but at the end of the day, he understands the ultimate choice is his to make. After returning to the practice in full capacity on Thursday, he is all set for the Sunday Night Football Game.