Dolphins star QB Tua Tagovailoa sent social media users into a frenzy Monday night after the often-concussed player used his head to tackle a defender during an interception return.
The moment came with roughly ten minutes left in the second quarter when Rams linebacker Christian Rozenboom picked off Tagovailoa. As the Rams linebacker raced down the sideline, he was cut off by Tagovailoa, who dove head-first at Rozenboo’s legs and took a knee to the head.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa takes a knee to the head and is now being evaluated for a concussion. pic.twitter.com/F3xLDVtBqB
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 12, 2024
Tagovailoa was evaluated for a concussion and passed. However, after he recklessly launched himself at Rozeboom, X users vented their shock and frustration at the young quarterback.
🚨🚨THIS IS INSANELY STUPID🚨🚨 #Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa WENT HEAD FIRST attempting to tackle the defender.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 12, 2024
Tua who has suffered multiple concussions got a serious need to the head on this play.
😳😳😳pic.twitter.com/No6MAN1LJE
Just terrible decision making, your health is more important than football
— Mob (@MobHoops) November 12, 2024
the CTE has taken over, let him do whatever he wants
— 🦅Coop〽️ (@QuinyonClamps) November 12, 2024
you’d think the guy would learn by now
— Munzie09 (@munzee09) November 12, 2024
After the game, Tagovailoa addressed his decision-making on the tackle attempt.
“I feel good. Everything’s good…I wasn’t planning on using my head to go hit him.”
"I feel good. Everything's good...I wasn't planning on using my head to go hit him."
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 12, 2024
— @MiamiDolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa on trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception pic.twitter.com/7XPDA2s7Ph
The Dolphins won the game, beating the Rams 23-15. Undoubtedly, a much-needed win took some heat off the Fins and allowed Tagovailoa to laugh about the incident. However, things could have very easily turned out differently. Tagovailoa insisted he has no plans to retire due to the – at least three concussions he’s suffered as a pro.
“If they would have told me that I couldn’t play, I would have definitely taken that into consideration, but there were no talks like that,” he told ESPN. “It never stuck in my mind that I was ever thinking of retiring.”
Tagovailoa had one of his best games of the year, completing 20 of 28 for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one pick.
Next, the Dolphins will face the Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.