Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently made a joke on social media about his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, amidst concerns about Tagovailoa’s brain health. Hill responded to a suggestion that Tagovailoa should run a dangerous play if he returns from his latest concussion by jokingly asking who would call the next play. The post was reported for abusive content by a large number of users, leading to Hill’s account being placed under review. Responses from Dolphins fans to Hill’s comments were mixed. Tagovailoa has a history of brain injuries, including two concussions in the 2022 season alone.
Following Tagovailoa’s third concussion in three years, some former players and media pundits have called for him to retire. Tagovailoa is currently on the team’s injured reserve and has not yet cleared concussion protocol. Hill has also been involved in controversies for the Dolphins this year, including a sideline incident during a game against the Tennessee Titans where he was seen yelling at coaches and teammates. The incident prompted Dolphins head coach McDaniel to address the situation, praising Hill’s leadership but emphasizing the need for positive results.
Hill’s off-field behavior has also attracted attention, particularly an incident with the Miami-Dade Police Department where he was handcuffed and thrown to the ground by officers during a traffic stop for reckless driving. The officer involved in the incident, Danny Torres, has been placed on paid administrative duty pending further investigation. Hill and his lawyer have entered a not-guilty plea to the traffic citations resulting from the confrontation. The uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s ability to return to the field due to his concussions raises questions about Hill’s future with the team and the Dolphins’ playoff prospects.
If Tagovailoa is unable to pass concussion protocols and is forced to retire, the Dolphins could be on the hook for a significant portion of his $212.4 million contract. The contract, which includes $167 million in guarantees, has already paid Tagovailoa $43 million. However, if he chooses to retire despite being cleared to return, a settlement would need to be reached between him and the team. Hill, who signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Dolphins in 2022, has yet to see postseason success with the team. The Dolphins’ record has suffered in Tagovailoa’s absence, with a 2-3 record so far this season.
The team’s upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts will be a crucial test for the Dolphins as they look to bounce back from their early-season struggles. Tagovailoa’s meeting with brain health experts during the bye week will provide more clarity on his future with the team. The decision on whether Tagovailoa will continue playing or retire could have significant implications for both the Dolphins and Hill. As the situation unfolds, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Tagovailoa’s health and the impact on the team’s performance. The controversy surrounding Hill’s comments and behavior adds another layer of intrigue to an already tumultuous season for the Miami Dolphins.
