Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Stands to Make $124 Million If He’s Never Allowed to Play Football Again — Due to His Third Concussion

If Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is forced to retire after another concussion, he could be entitled to a massive payday.

Near the end of the third quarter of the Dolphins’ Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa tried running for a first down. As he approached Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Tagovailoa fell forward and made contact with him. As a result, the QB fell head-first into Hamlin’s chest. As neuroscientist Dr. Chris Nowinski noted online, Tagovailoa immediately displayed the “fencing posture” — involuntary arm movement that occurs after traumatic brain injuries.

Tagovailoa got up and was immediately taken to the team’s locker room and ruled out for the rest of the game.

Two seasons ago, Tagovailoa suffered multiple concussions. Despite one of them resulting in his body going into the fencing posture, he returned and suffered more head injuries. The disturbing scene led to serious questions about his future in the sport.

To avoid more concussions, the 26-year-old spent time training to keep his head out of harm’s way and fall safely when hit by defenders. For the most part, those efforts paid off.

On Thursday night, however, the doubts surrounding his future resurfaced. With medical retirement seemingly now a serious consideration, many fans wondered how that would affect one of the richest contracts in the league.

In July, Tagovailoa agreed to a four-year extension with the Dolphins worth $212.4 million. That includes $167.1 million guaranteed. According to Spotrac founder Michael Ginnitti, the Dolphins have already paid him $43 million.

“If he’s medically cleared to return to football, but opts to retire, he will forego the remaining $124M guaranteed (barring a custom settlement),” Ginnitti said in a tweet.

“If he’s medically forced into retirement, he has a right to collect the $124M remaining.”

There are several other factors at play, as well. As Ginnitti noted, the team would have the ability to release him if he passes a physical next March, meaning he would only be paid $50 million of his 2025 compensation. On March 14th, his 2026 commpensation — $54 million — becomes fully guaranteed.

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