Tua Would Rather Die Than Wear A Guardian Cap
The concussions suffered by Tua Tagovailoa during his games have been some of the scariest things witnessed by football fans. As in his second known NFL concussion, when Tua was knocked out against the Buffalo Bills on September 12th, his body stiffened, with his hands in what brain trauma experts call "fencing pose".
The fallout from the ghastly scene was fans and reporters alike begging for the former Alabama Quarterback to hang it up. With retirement costing Tua $175 million in forfeited, non-guaranteed salary, he had no intention of walking away from the game. Standing in front of reporters today, asked about his decision to come back, Tua said, "I appreciate your concern, I really do. I love this game and I love it to death of me. That's it."
Tagovailoa announced to the world that if his options are retiring and living a healthy life until 95, or dying in front of millions, at the age of 26, while playing a game, he is choosing option B. While few may find this thought process brave, the majority of folks agree it's asinine. Just as ludicrous, were his statements about how he planned to protect himself.
When asked if he would be wearing a guardian cap (a device proven to help prevent brain injuries on the field), Tua simply answered, "Nope." When asked why he wouldn't wear the cap, he responded, "Personal choice."
Tua was also asked about whether he would run the ball less, to avoid further brain damage. He explained that running the ball has always given him an edge, and that's what he did in high school, and college, and will continue to do. He said he just needs to be smarter about it. If this press conference has told the world anything, it's that Tua Tagovailoa isn't smart about anything.