The dangers of head injuries from football have become a bigger concern in the last decade, as more research has been conducted on the long-term effects of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Repeated blows to the head have been shown to increase the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Jack Tuttle, a seventh-year quarterback for the University of Michigan, played his last game of football last week. Tuttle was in his second year with Michigan after being JJ McCarthy’s backup for their National Championship run. Tuttle had previously played for the University of Utah and the University of Illinois and could not play at the start of the season due to a long recovery from a UCL repair during the off-season. He played his first game of the season against Washington University Oct. 5, almost bringing the Wolverines to a comeback victory. He then solidified his starting spot at QB on their Oct. 19 game against Illinois, where Michigan lost 21-7. On Oct. 28, Tuttle announced on social media that he would be retiring from the sport due to a fifth concussion.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from college football. This decision, though difficult, comes after deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with my family, doctors, and loved ones,” Tuttle announced. The past year has been challenging, marked by a UCL repair in my throwing arm that I didn’t fully recover from, which caused ongoing issues, and unfortunately, the recent experience of enduring my fifth concussion has brought forth the painful truth: that I need to start prioritizing my health.”
Tuttle’s announcement comes on the heels of another starting quarterback retiring due to concussions. North Carolina State University quarterback Grayson McCall took a hard hit on Oct. 5 against Wake Forest University that knocked his helmet off and required him to be carted off the field. This was McCall’s second concussion this season and the third concussion of his collegiate career. McCall was a three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year during his time at Coastal Carolina University. McCall announced on Instagram Oct. 23 that he would be retiring.
“I envisioned this crazy dream for myself to grow up and be just like the guys I was watching on TV,” McCall wrote. “Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short. As you all know I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from. Brain specialists, my family and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up.”
A similar conversation has been brought up in the NFL, with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa getting diagnosed with his third concussion in two years and fourth diagnosed concussion since college during Week Two against the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa has had many scary concussions, with some leaving him unconscious and requiring a visit to the hospital. After his latest concussion, there were calls from around the league and from fans for him to retire. However, Tagovailoa returned to the field six weeks later against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 27 wearing a more protective helmet.
There is still a lot that is unknown about traumatic brain injuries, CTE and concussions in football. However, recent retirements from players like Tuttle and McCall highlight the growing understanding of the dangers of head injuries.
