During interviews, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce typically fields questions related to his team.
However, during a press conference on Friday, Pierce was asked to comment on a different matter: Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, and his latest concussion. When asked for advice he might give Tagovailoa, Pierce offered a straightforward response, advising him to retire from football.
Pierce stated, “He’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”
Tagovailoa sustained his injury during the Dolphins’ Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills. He was hurt while rushing for a first down and was hit by Damar Hamlin. The quarterback tensed up after the hit, raising concerns, although he was able to walk off the field on his own.
This is not the first time Tagovailoa has dealt with a serious injury. While he made it through the 2023 season without major issues, the 2022 season was marked by multiple concussions, some of which caused him to seize up similarly.
Pierce’s comments echo concerns voiced by others in the media. Many have suggested that retirement may be the safest option for Tagovailoa given his history of head injuries.
However, the ultimate decision rests with the quarterback, who is still early in his career and likely reluctant to step away from the game. As Pierce emphasized, though, life takes priority over football.
