For Tua Tagovailoa, his future is at stake these weeks – and not just athletically. While the quarterback remains part of Concussion Protocol, his father is making it clear that he will play for the Miami Dolphins in 2023

Tua Tagovailoa is a mystery. After a season in which he was even considered an MVP candidate. But he also had to take a beating, the Miami Dolphins quarterback suffered at least two serious head injuries.

The NFL even took this as an opportunity to tighten the rules around the Concussion Protocol in order to better protect the players.

More than a month after his latest concussion, which was only discovered after the game against the Green Bay Packers (20:26), the Hawaiian is still in that Concussion Protocol. He will therefore miss the Pro Bowl Games, according to an “ESPN” report.

Tua Tagovailoa’s future: parents expect return to Dolphins

There have even been voices advising Tagovailoa to hang up his helmet at the age of 24 in order not to endanger his health any further. Whether he is actually toying with this idea himself has not been known so far.

Now, however, the parents of the fan favourite have spoken out about his future plans – and made it clear that their son will still be playing for the Dolphins in 2023.

Tagovailoa’s father thanks the Dolphins: “They love him “

When asked by a reporter from Hawaiian station “KHON2” if there was any doubt about his return before the final season of his rookie contract, father Galu insisted, “He will be back. Yes, he will come back.”

He then stressed the special relationship between the team and its quarterback, who seems to have made a breakthrough this season: “He’s their boy. They love him. We love them and what they’re doing for him, for his recovery and everything to get him back. We’re grateful to them for that as well. “

Praise for McDaniel: “Very special head coach “

Praise follows from Tagovailoa Senior for the franchise, for owner Stephen Ross, for General Manager Chris Grier and finally an extra thick one for Head Coach Mike McDaniel: “Mike is a special guy. A very special head coach. “

Is there any doubt that he comes back and plays next year?

“No, he comes back. That’s their guy. They love him, we love them and what they’re doing and how they are helping with his recovery and trying to get him back. pic.twitter.com/tO40eCO9BU

– Tili (@tili____) January 26, 2023

According to the aforementioned “ESPN” report, the long stay in Concussion Protocol is because the Dolphins value the long-term health of their number one pick. The lefty is said to be using the time to meet with doctors and specialists to seek advice.

Does Miami pick up fifth-year option on Tagovailoa?

By May 1, Miami must also decide whether to pull the Fifth Year Option written into the contract to keep Tagovailoa now for 2024. In 13 appearances this past season, he threw for 3548 yards and 25 touchdowns with eight interceptions – all personal bests.

He harmonised particularly well with Jaylon Waddle and Tyreek Hill, who was brought in from the Kansas City Chiefs and who form the most explosive receiver duo in the league. Tagovailoa played a big part in the Florida team’s first play-off appearance in six years, but was sorely missed in the final phase of the season and also in the Wild Card Round exit at the Buffalo Bills (31:34).