Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa spoke out about testing a new helmet that is strictly made for quarterbacks in the NFL.
Tagovailoa, who suffered multiple concussions in the 2022 season, explained that the helmet being slightly more protective will add up over time.
“On the [NFL’s helmet-information] chart as we were discussing new helmets and whatnot, they were talking about that it’s 1 percent better than the helmet that I’m in,” Tagovailoa told ProFootballTalk’s Peter King. “Now OK, you look at 1 percent. That’s not a drastic change from the helmet that I’m in. But then you look at playing on the field, and I figure that 1 percent better that you got on this play or that play, and eventually it ends up adding up. I’m willing to take my chances with it. I’m definitely going to see what this thing can do.”
The NFL and NFLPA approved the helmet – which is designed to limit the impact of hits similar to the one that Tagovailoa suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals last season.
Tagovailoa was concussed on the hit and removed from the game. It was the first of his two concussions in the 2022 season.
The second came in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, but it wasn’t discovered until after the game. Tagovailoa did not play again in the 2022 season, even though the Dolphins made the playoffs.
Miami is hoping that it can keep its star quarterback safe in the 2023 season, not only for the sake of the team’s success, but for Tagovailoa’s long-term health as well.
The quarterback seems to be intrigued by the new helmet, as it will give him a better chance at avoiding another head injury.
There’s no doubt that in the 2022 season, Tagovailoa played his best football since he was drafted by the Dolphins with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He threw for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games during the regular season, and the Dolphins had an 8-5 record in the 13 games that he started.
With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside, Tagovailoa has the weapons to be successful again in the 2023 season – if he can stay healthy.
The Dolphins and their fans are hoping that the introduction of this new helmet will help Tagovailoa and players across the league avoid head injuries similar to the ones that the University of Alabama product had in 2022.
