Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, in his first organized press conference since his 2022 season was cut short due to a second stint in concussion protocol, admitted Wednesday that he gave retirement some thought at the end of the past season.

Tagovailoa, ultimately, opted against it, and he is set to return to the Dolphins for a fourth NFL season in 2023, plus at least a fourth after Miami picked up the 2020 first-round pick’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

“I considered it for a time, having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife and having those conversations. “But, really, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game with how old I am, with my son. I always dreamed of playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do.

“It’s my health. It’s my body. And I feel like this is what’s best for me and my family. I love the game of football. If I didn’t, I would’ve quit a long time ago.”

Tagovailoa said he was told by neurologists that he is not at greater risk for future concussions, nor is he at greater risk for CTE heading into the upcoming fall after suffering at least two concussions in the 2022 season. He explained that his understanding is that CTE comes more often from constant, repeated blows to the head that are more common for linebackers and running backs.

Tagovailoa said it was hard not being able to finish out last season, but added, “This is a new year for us, this is a new team that we have. We’re really excited.”

Tagovailoa, last week, also spoke briefly to the media at his charity luau event and said offseason workouts have been going well as he looks to strengthen himself while also taking jiu-jitsu lessons to learn how to fall properly.

This story will be updated.

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