Tua Tagovailoa’s Protector James Daniels Faces Heat for Criticizing Donald Trump’s LA Immigration Drive: “He Hurt his Brain, As Well As his Achilles”

James Daniels may be recovering from a torn Achilles but the LA Immigration drive has his complete attention.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Protector James Daniels Faces Heat for Criticizing Donald Trump’s LA Immigration Drive: “He Hurt his Brain, As Well As his Achilles”

James Daniels (Image via IMAGO/X)

Several Miami Dolphins players battled injuries last season. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion that restricted his game count to only 11. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa’s new guard, James Daniels, tore his Achilles and missed a chunk of the season.

Daniels was part of the roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers last campaign. The 27-year-old tore his Achilles in week four. The Steelers placed Daniels on the injured reserve list for the rest of the year and later released him in the offseason.

He traveled down from the East Coast to South Beach for work. The Miami Dolphins gave Daniels a three-year, $24 million contract.

Even though Daniels’ rehab went smoothly, there were doubts about whether he could guard Tagovailoa from week one. During a recent interview, Daniels revealed that the doctors are evaluating his progress, and a full training camp clearance will come.

I’m right on the progression… I’ll rehab, work out, and spend time with, like, my wife and my cats.

James Daniels said via the Palm Beach Post

Daniels did not end his monologue by only talking about his Achilles. He spoke on the immigration protests in Los Angeles.

[My] Achilles, yes, it was unfortunate, but there are people in way worse positions. Especially what’s happening in L.A.–people’s parents, people’s grandparents are being deported illegally.

James Daniels said

From Daniels’ point of view, recovering from a torn Achilles is child’s play compared to how the government is using force to detain and deport immigrants.

Fans on social media call out James Daniels for commenting on the LA deportation drive

President Donald Trump ordered roughly 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to subdue the protest that erupted against the immigration laws.

Tua Tagovailoa's Protector James Daniels Faces Social Media Heat for Criticizing Donald Trump's LA Immigration Drive: "He Hurt his Brain, As Well As his Achilles"
James Daniels (Image via IMAGO)

Daniels felt bad for the people who were fighting to stay in the United States of America.

There’s a lot bigger issues people have on their plate. So for me, going through an Achilles injury is pretty easy.

James Daniels said

On any other day, Daniels’ words might have received praise from all corners. In this case, fans advised him to refrain from making unnecessary political statements and focus on guarding Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa suffered his third documented concussion since college. In his absence, Mike McCarthy used three different quarterbacks, but none of them were able to save them from a mid-season slump.

By the time Tagovailoa returned to the starting lineup, the Dolphins’ chances of qualifying for their third straight playoffs were not in their hands. Eventually, they finished with an 8-9 record, which triggered a meltdown from star receiver Tyreek Hill. Fortunately, Hill chose to stick around despite demanding a trade after the final game of the 2024 season.

The Dolphins drew the 11th-easiest schedule for the 2025 season. McDaniel’s team will kick off the new campaign against AFC rivals the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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