NFL head coach makes a strong comment on Friday about Tua Tagovailoa's latest concussion

Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa clearly has a problem with sustaining concussions.  With three diagnosed inside the last two calendar years - with another injury identified as a back injury that looked suspiciously like another one - Tua has had an alarming number of issues with this particular injury.

While some fans and media on social media are saying it's too early for Tua to consider his options until he's thoroughly examined by medical personnel, someone who has very direct experience with his injury made a statement to the contrary on Friday.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach, who played 9 years in the league as a linebacker, addressed a question from a member of the media about his thoughts about Tua's concussion on Thursday night , and he did not mince words one bit with his response.

“I’ll be honest, I'd tell him to retire,” Pierce said during his Friday press conference . “It’s not worth it. It’s not worth it. Played the game. I haven’t witnessed anything like I’ve seen that’s happened to him three times. Scary. You can see, right away, the players’ faces on the field. You can see the sense of urgency to get Tua help.

“I just think that at some point, he’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”

For individuals asking others to disregard opinions that aren't those of a medical expert (and there are plenty out there arguing just that today), those of players like Pierce should also be given a high level of weight.  Pierce suffered through concussions himself as a player.  He played through headaches from concussions, even when he shouldn't have.

"If I ain't totally broke and I can play and run, I should be out there, and I think I will be," Pierce told the media back in 2007 during his playing days while dealing with concussion-related headaches.

Few of us will know what it's like to deal with the effects of concussions.  There are tests.  There is science.  And there is input from those who know what's actually between the lines and beyond the medical report pages from living and dealing with concussions over the years.

The Dolphins are obviously evaluating Tua.  Mike McDaniel said on Friday that the opinions who matter the most are the doctors, and that's another clear truth.

However, someone who's dealt with concussions and understands the effects they have firsthand has every right to speak out about them towards other members of the NFL community.

And Tua has every right to decide to do what he sees fit for himself and his family after consulting with his doctors.

Related: Bills safety Damar Hamlin posts message to Tua Tagovailoa after scary collision during Thursday Night Football