Tua considered retirement after sustaining multiple concussions

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said he considered retiring after he sustained his second concussion of the 2022 season.

"Having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife, and having those kinds of conversations, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game," he told reporters Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

He added, "I always dreamed of playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do.

"It's my health, it's my body. I feel this is what's best for me and my family. I love the game of football. If I didn't, I would have quit a long time ago."

The 25-year-old was forced to miss the final two games of the regular season and the team's postseason contest after suffering a concussion in Week 16. The Dolphins' star passer confirmed that he would've welcomed playing late in the season and in the playoffs had he been cleared, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

Tagovailoa spent 37 days in the league's concussion protocol from late December to January.

The Alabama product said that doctors and specialists reassured him that he's not at greater risk of CTE or serious head injuries next season, which played a role in his decision to continue playing, per Wolfe.

Tagovailoa posted career highs in his first year under head coach Mike McDaniel. He passed for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns and led the NFL with a 105.5 quarterback rating in his third season. Miami opted to pick up the fifth-year option in Tagovailoa's rookie contract, locking in $23.2 million guaranteed for the 2024 season.