ESPN stars shift Tua Tagovailoa's health discussion into talk on gender roles

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa suffers 3rd diagnosed concussion of NFL career. Emmanuel Acho gives his perspective on Tua’s health and if he should retire.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has dealt with a series of concussions over the past 24 months.

The latest head injury happened during the Dolphins' 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the first "Thursday Night Football" game of the season. Tagovailoa collided with Bills safety Damar Hamlin in the second half, resulting in the third concussion the quarterback has been diagnosed with since he entered the NFL.

Tagovailoa's most recent scare sparked conversation about whether the 2023 NFL passing yards leader should consider stepping away from the game to better preserve himself for his family and protect his long-term health. 

Tagovailoa's football future was discussed during Friday's edition of ESPN's "First Take," with Stephen A. Smith and "SportsCenter" anchor Elle Duncan delving into an exchange about an individual's willingness to sacrifice for family.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Stephen A Smith, Tua Tagovailoa and Elle Duncan (IMAGN)

After "First Take" moderator Molly Qerim raised a question about whether Tagovailoa should end his NFL career, Smith shared his views on the mental makeup of men and suggested a man's mentality is often different from a woman's.

"Molly and Elle, I can say this: As men, our mentality a lot of the time is different," Smith began. "You’re willing to put it all on the line to secure the well-being of your family in perpetuity, even in the event you’re not around.

DOLPHINS' TUA TAGOVAILOA FACES CALLS TO RETIRE FROM NFL AFTER LATEST CONCUSSION: 'IT'S NOT WORTH IT'

"There are sacrifices that I make as