Tua Tagovailoa reveals he considered retirement after 2022 season

He suffered what the team first reported as a head injury against Buffalo on Sep. 25 -- before the team ruled it as a back issue -- and then a confirmed one four days later at Cincinnati. On Dec. 25, he suffered a second confirmed concussion against Green Bay, ending his season.

A chorus of voices -- ranging from former players to NFL media members -- suggested Tagovailoa should retire this offseason, but until Wednesday, the quarterback was quiet about how strongly he considered the idea.

Tagovailoa said he's taken steps this offseason to prevent the head-to-turf concussions he suffered last season, including learning jiu-jitsu.

The NFL is also taking strides to ensure an incident like his on "Thursday Night Football" at the Bengals doesn't happen again. 

Last week, the league announced a new helmet specifically engineered for quarterbacks. Per NFL.com, research showed the new VICIS Zero2 Matrix QB helmet proved better at preventing concussions sustained from contact with the turf than other helmets worn by quarterbacks.

The NFL.com report notes quarterbacks won't be forced to make the change. Tagovailoa wears a Riddell Superflex but should heavily consider a change if one isn't mandatory, as the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson suggested in January it might. 

Miami's Super Bowl hopes rest on Tagovailoa being healthy and he, the organization and the NFL are doing all they can to keep him safe. This season, millions will watch, holding their breath, hoping enough has been done.