Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field at the end of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Did Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa secretly retire from the NFL without telling anyone? At least one former head coach believes so.
Tagovailoa, who was signed by the Falcons after being released by the Miami Dolphins, won the starting quarterback job for Atlanta over Michael Penix Jr. However, before the regular season could even begin, Tagovailoa is already out with an injury after suffering a back issue in practice leading up to Week 1.
Now, former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator Todd Haley believes that we’ve seen the last of the former Pro Bowler in the NFL.
Former NFL OC Todd Haley thinks Tua Tagovailoa is retiring and hasn’t told anyone yet. (via @TyDunne) pic.twitter.com/PqwYnfgAqI
— Rise Up Bijan (@RiseUpReader) September 12, 2026
Todd Haley Claims That Tua Tagovailoa Has Retired
Haley, speaking on the “Go Long” podcast, claimed that Tagovailoa’s situation is similar to that of former Seahawks, Broncos, and Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, who retired in the offseason to pursue a career in broadcasting.
“I think we’re seeing it with Tua last year and what we’re seeing with this progression into the regular season for the Falcons,” Haley said. “I feel like this is my opinion. I don’t know that I’m right. But I feel like Tua has retired and hasn’t told anybody yet. He wants to be out there but he really doesn’t.”
Notably, Tagovailoa dealt with several traumatic brain injuries throughout his time with the Dolphins, including a scary moment against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
You’d excuse Tagovailoa if he has mentally checked out, especially given his injury history. But one has to wonder if Haley is onto something with his retirement theory.