Tagovailoa’s injury history, rule modifications, and other topics from the 25 NFL Owners Meetings

The NFL’s 2025 Owners Meetings covered various topics, from rule modifications to player safety. Among the key discussions was the concern over Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, which has been a subject of major focus due to his string of head and other significant injuries. The meeting introduced notable changes to league rules, many of which were influenced by safety concerns. In this detailed analysis, we will dive into Tagovailoa’s injury history, the new rules implemented by the league, and other vital conversations from the Owners Meetings.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury History

Tua Tagovailoa, drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2020, entered the NFL with high expectations. However, his career has been marred by a series of significant injuries, particularly concussions, which have raised concerns about his long-term health and safety. Below is a breakdown of Tagovailoa’s injury timeline, starting from his college career through his NFL journey.

College Career:

Tua’s injury history dates back to his time at the University of Alabama, where he was regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football.

March 2018: Tagovailoa suffered a fracture in his left index finger during spring practice. However, he was able to return quickly to the field after surgery, with no significant impact on his playtime.
October 2018: In a game against Missouri, he sprained his right knee. Despite this injury, Tagovailoa managed to play through it, missing no games, showcasing his resilience early on.
November 2018: During a game against Mississippi State, Tagovailoa sustained a left quad injury that forced him to leave the game early. This injury was not serious enough to sideline him for long, and he returned to action soon after.
December 2018: Perhaps the most significant injury in his college career occurred in the SEC Championship game against Georgia, when he suffered a high right ankle sprain. The injury required surgery to fix a torn ligament, known as the “tightrope” procedure. He recovered in time to play in the College Football Playoff.
October 2019: In a game against Tennessee, Tua sprained his right ankle again, requiring surgery. This injury caused him to miss one game, but he was back in action shortly thereafter.
November 2019: Tagovailoa’s most concerning injury occurred during a game against Mississippi State. He sustained a severe right hip injury, which ended his college career. The injury was so significant that it required surgery to repair the hip and put his football future in doubt for a time.

NFL Career:

Tagovailoa’s injury concerns continued into his professional career. The injuries he sustained in college seemed to foreshadow the challenges he would face in the NFL.

November 2020: In his rookie season, Tagovailoa sustained a thumb injury to his throwing hand during practice. This injury caused him to miss a game but was otherwise not as significant as some of his previous issues.
September 2021: In a game against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa suffered rib fractures, which resulted in him missing three games during the season. Although not a head injury, it was a major setback for a young quarterback trying to establish himself in the league.
November 2021: Tua fractured his throwing hand’s finger during a game, once again causing him to miss one game. It was a minor injury compared to his past setbacks but was nonetheless another sign of the fragility of his health.
September 2022: The most troubling injury of Tagovailoa’s career to date came in the 2022 season opener against the Buffalo Bills. He suffered what was initially diagnosed as a back injury, but many experts suspected it was a concussion. He was able to return to the game but was soon placed in concussion protocol. Later that same season, in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tagovailoa was diagnosed with a confirmed concussion after being slammed to the ground, leading to a hospital visit. This second head injury within a short time raised alarms regarding his ability to play safely.
December 2022: Tagovailoa’s third concussion of the season came against the Green Bay Packers, further exacerbating concerns over his long-term health. The cumulative toll of these head injuries led many to question whether Tagovailoa’s playing career could be in jeopardy if such injuries continued to occur.
September 2024: Tagovailoa suffered another concussion, again against the Buffalo Bills, leading to his placement on the injury reserve list. This was a devastating blow for Tagovailoa, his team, and the league, as his safety was now the most pressing issue surrounding his career.

Each of these injuries has raised questions about the long-term impacts of head injuries on players, especially quarterbacks, who are typically the face of the team. Tagovailoa’s injury history has sparked calls for increased safety measures and changes to how players are treated during and after games. His repeated concussions have become a focal point for NFL rule changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Rule Modifications from the 2025 NFL Owners Meetings

The NFL has taken several steps to address safety concerns, particularly in light of the injuries to players like Tua Tagovailoa. At the 2025 NFL Owners Meetings, the league introduced several significant rule changes that were designed to reduce injuries, improve the pace of the game, and enhance fairness in certain situations.

Overtime Rule Adjustments

One of the most notable changes was the modification to the overtime rules. In previous seasons, the NFL used a sudden-death overtime format, where the first team to score would win the game. However, this could lead to scenarios where one team never got the ball, especially if the other team scored on their first possession.

In response to complaints from players and fans, as well as the growing emphasis on fairness, the NFL decided to alter the overtime rules. Starting in 2025, both teams will be guaranteed at least one possession during overtime, even if the first team with the ball scores a touchdown. Additionally, the overtime period has been reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes to keep the pace of the game faster and more dynamic. This change is a direct result of feedback from high-profile games, including the AFC Championship game in 2023, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in overtime after a controversial coin toss.

The ‘Tush Push’ Play

Another significant topic of discussion was the controversial “tush push” play, often associated with the Philadelphia Eagles’ success on short-yardage situations. In this play, the quarterback is pushed from behind by teammates to gain a few extra yards, typically on 3rd or 4th down plays. While effective, the play has raised safety concerns because it often leads to intense physical contact and may increase the risk of lower-body injuries.

At the 2025 Owners Meetings, there was considerable debate over whether to ban the “tush push.” Some owners and coaches argued that it should be eliminated, citing the potential for injuries, while others felt that it was a legal and strategic part of the game. The decision was postponed until May 2025, allowing more time for evaluation and further discussion.

First Down Measurement Technology

In a move aimed at reducing disputes and improving the accuracy of measurements, the NFL announced that it would eliminate the traditional chain measurement system for determining first downs. Instead, a new camera-based technology will be used to automatically assess whether a team has gained enough yards for a first down. The technology, which uses high-precision cameras, is expected to streamline the process and minimize errors. However, the traditional chain crews will remain available as backups in case the system experiences technical issues.

Kickoff Touchback Rule

The NFL is also experimenting with changes to the kickoff rules to create more exciting plays and reduce touchbacks. Starting in 2025, the NFL will move the touchback line to the 35-yard line, encouraging teams to return more kicks. The hope is that this change will lead to more dynamic plays and increase fan engagement, as kickoff returns have become less frequent in recent years.

Other Notable Discussions at the Owners Meetings

In addition to these rule changes, several other topics were raised at the 2025 NFL Owners Meetings:

Flex Scheduling for Thursday Night Football

The NFL also introduced a change to the Thursday Night Football schedule, allowing teams to be flexed into the Thursday night slot with 21 days’ notice. This gives the league more flexibility in scheduling high-profile matchups but has been met with some concerns from players and teams about the fairness and potential disruption to their regular routines.

Player Participation in Olympic Events

Another exciting discussion centered around NFL players participating in the 2028 Olympic Games. The Olympics are planning to include flag football as a sport, and the NFL has expressed interest in allowing its players to compete. However, there are concerns about the impact this could have on the NFL season and whether players would be willing to take time off from training and games to participate in Olympic events.

Broadcast Innovations

The NFL has also adapted to changing media consumption habits. The 2025 NFL season will feature the Christmas Day tripleheader, with two of the games being streamed on Netflix and one on Amazon. This marks a major shift in how the league is distributing its content and demonstrates the NFL’s commitment to expanding its digital presence.

The 2025 NFL Owners Meetings were pivotal in addressing several key issues related to player safety, game fairness, and the overall direction of the league. Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history remains a focal point for the league, as his repeated concussions serve as a reminder of the risks football players face every time they step on the field. The rule changes introduced at the meeting aim to reduce those risks, improve the fan experience, and ensure that the NFL continues to evolve in a way that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its players. As these changes take effect, the league’s commitment to addressing head injuries and other safety concerns will be crucial in shaping the future of the sport.