Neuroscientist weighs in on Tua Tagovailoa’s controversial choice to skip guardian cap in NFL return
Neuroscientist has come forward in Tua Tagovailoa's defense amid the ongoing criticism over his decision not to wear Guardian Cap.
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Tua Tagovailoa’s controversial choice to skip guardian cap (Via Bleacher Report/Pro Football Network)
It wasn’t long ago when Tua Tagovailoa’s third concussion prompted many to advise a retirement. Now, after successfully passing the concussion protocol and returning to the field, he finds himself back in the spotlight, facing scrutiny over his choice not to wear the Guardian Cap.
After returning to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins star quarterback told the reporters that he doesn’t need an extra protected head coach. That’s why, he will not be wearing the Guardian Cap in the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals.
A Guardian Cap is a cushion placed on the top of the helmet to protect a player from head injuries. The scrutiny surrounding the quarterback’s decision stems from the alarming number of concussions he has sustained over the past four years. Amid the ongoing criticism, neuroscientist Chris Nowinski has come forward with an expert take on the subject.
Give Tua Tagovailoa a break on the Guardian Cap. All 3 of his 2022 concussions were from falling back & his head striking the ground. Adding 14 ounces to his helmet would make head-to-ground impacts even more likely. Better off never hitting the ground vs. hitting it with a pad.
Chris Nowinski wrote on X
Give Tua Tagovailoa a break on the Guardian Cap.
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) October 25, 2024
All 3 of his 2022 concussions were from falling back & his head striking the ground.
Adding 14 ounces to his helmet would make head-to-ground impacts even more likely. Better off never hitting the ground vs hitting it with a pad.
Coming from an expert, the Guardian Cap also has certain drawbacks that cannot be overshadowed by its protective feature. He is relying upon his previous helmet when he faces off against the Cardinals in Week 8.
Tua Tagovailoa addresses media on injury precautions
The scrutiny surrounding the Pro Bowler’s choice not to wear the Guardian Cap arises from fans’ concerns that he is not taking the necessary precautions required for a player with his concussion history. However, while addressing the media, the signal-caller told them he planned to play smartly in order to avoid injuries at all costs.
Just got to be smart, that’s it. Just got to be smart. My entire time playing football, I’ve been a competitor, and that is or was sort of my edge when I would run from high school… But this is the professional level, the best of the best, you just can’t be doing that. So definitely got to stay more available for the team, for the organization, for our guys.
Tua Tagovailoa said
Tagovailoa’s return has lit the lamp of hope among the fans and the team, as it will provide them with the quarterback stability that they have been struggling with since Week 2.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
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