The NFL community is buzzing with speculation about Tua Tagovailoa’s future in the league following a series of concussions in recent years.

The Miami Dolphins star has even been advised by some to consider early retirement at just 26 for his own safety. However, the former Alabama standout – who currently rakes in approximately $53million (£42m) per year – has his own thoughts on when to retire.

It’s understandable the fifth-highest annual earner in the NFL might be hesitant to hang up his cleats, especially considering he has a young family to support. Here, the Mirror US have delved into Tagovailoa’s stance on retirement, net worth, living in his ‘dream home’ and family situation amid growing scrutiny over his football future.

Early retirement stance

Tagovailoa has attracted significant attention around the topic of concussions in the NFL due to increasing concerns about their long-term effects on brain health. The Hawaii-born player has had three diagnosed concussions since being drafted by the Dolphins in 2020, and studies suggest this could have lasting effects.

The NFL is increasingly aware of dangers such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma that can only be diagnosed after death. Football players are also at risk of a potentially fatal condition called second impact syndrome (SIS), where someone suffers a second concussion before they’ve fully recovered from the previous case.

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) consoles Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) after Tagovailoa suffered a concussion against the Buffalo Bills

Tagovailoa’s history of head injuries has led to an outpouring of support 

Image:

Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

“It never stuck in my mind that I was ever thinking of retiring,” said Tagovailoa recently when asked about calls for him to prioritise his health and head for early retirement. “Whether the doctors told me that or not, it would have just been information for me. With what I was doing working out week-to-week, I’m in here everyday. It’s like a no-brainer, what am I working hard for then?”

Tagovailoa said in 2023 that he considered retirement after suffering multiple concussions during the 2022 NFL season. He persevered to play all 17 of Miami’s fixtures the following campaign, but another significant knock to the head this past September has led to fresh concerns.

Net worth

Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the game at SoFi Stadium

The Miami star is on one of the most lucrative contracts in the NFL 

Image:

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Dolphins’ faith in their star quarterback was evident when they gave their ace a new contract worth $212m (£168m) over four years this past summer. However, his salary only accounts for a portion of his overall net worth.

The star quarterback has pocketed over $73 million in earnings from his sensational four seasons in the NFL, though between 30% and 40% of that take gets stripped away for taxes and the costs of living the high life, not to mention his savvy investments. Expert website CelebrityNetWorth.com pins his fortune at about $30m (£24m), with a boost expected thanks to recent salary bumps.

His mountain of cash has grown thanks to lucrative deals with Adidas, Wingstop, and Muscle Milk. And Tagovailoa doesn’t look likely to stop attracting interest from major brands anytime soon.

Private wife

Behind the scenes, Tagovailoa and his better half, Annah Gore, have kept things private since meeting at the University of Alabama. Unlike other celeb partners, entrepreneur Annah is not one for the social media buzz or the limelight on game day.

The couple tied the knot in 2022, and Tua’s stance on sharing their lives with the public is clear. It was around the time of their wedding that Tagovailoa said: “For me, I love to keep my life as private as possible, and that’s what we tried to do with me, my wife and my family, but obviously, in this world, that’s not how it is. It’s almost kind of disrespectful, if you will, by doing that, but it is what it is, and shoot, can’t do anything about it. Guys, I have a wife.”

The quarterback’s family is evidently a significant part of his life, as evidenced by his loved ones relocating to Alabama when he moved to college. And he now has his own family to look after following the birth of his son, Ace, and daughter Maisey.

Dream home

There are certainly worse places to spend (at least) the formative years of one’s NFL career than in the sunny climes of Florida. And Tagovailoa’s home life is only accumulating in value since he forked out $1.6m (£1.3m) to purchase his house at Pine Lodge Trail in Davie, Broward County.

Quite literally so, too, given it’s estimated Tua’s home has generated another $1m or so in worth since he purchased the six-bedroom property in 2020. It should come as no surprise the house is within throwing distance of the Dolphins’ Baptist Health Training Facility (at least a Tagovailoa throw).

The 5,748 square foot abode features a pool, jacuzzi and library, not to mention it backs onto a secluded waterfront for Long Lake Ranches residents.