Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith has explained why he's worried about his health and about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
"When you see all the CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) stuff that’s come out, I‘d be naïve to think if I keep living, I’ll have a normal life going forward," Smith told Marc Berman of The Palm Beach Post. "That’s why I respect the Jim Browns of the world, Tony Dorsetts and the guys that came before me. They’re a good reflection where I’m headed as I age. To escape the game completely free, I’d be a little naïve. So far, I’m good."
Smith was asked about Tagovailoa suffering a minimum of two reported concussions during the 2022 season. The 24-year-old last entered the concussion protocol after a game on Christmas Day and then missed Miami's final three contests of the campaign including the playoffs. Tagovailoa ultimately remained in the protocol through January.
Smith said he was diagnosed with two concussions across his entire career but suggested that number is likely low.
"I also can tell you there’s a number of times I got hit and had to shake my head a couple of times to get the cobwebs out and get back focused. It’s part of the game," the Dallas Cowboys legend said. "But comparing to Tua’s situation, I never had multiple concussions in one year like that. Never had a situation occur where I staggered off the field like that."
This is what happened to Tua Tagovailoa after his head hit the turf hard. Not sure how you let him back in.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 25, 2022
( @EmmanuelAcho)pic.twitter.com/OiAJwaN5RI
The subject of Tagovailoa possibly retiring due to worries related to his history of head injuries before his 25th birthday — which he'll celebrate on Thursday — has essentially disappeared, but his status with the Dolphins beyond next season is in question. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Tuesday the club hasn't yet made a decision about the fifth-year option attached to Tagovailoa's rookie deal, and general manager Chris Grier indicated on Wednesday he has concerns about the durability of his QB1.
The Dolphins have until May 1 to decide about Tagovailoa's option. He'd enter next season in a contract year if the option is declined.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press (h/t ESPN) noted on Tuesday that former player and analyst Irv Cross had suffered from the most advanced stage of CTE late in his life. Cross died at the age of 81 on Feb. 28, 2021.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!