Linebacker Thomas Allen Looks to Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for Rehab Advice

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Written by Evan Orris

On November 14 2020, in a game against Michigan State, Hoosiers linebacker Thomas Allen suffered a very uncommon, season-ending hip injury. This type of injury is mostly seen in people who have been in extreme car accidents. Luckily for Allen, one survivor was able to overcome his injury to fulfill his NFL dreams. 

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa reached out to Allen two weeks after his surgery to offer advice for Allen’s road to recovery. He also answered anything he could about his own experience with the injury.

“I had a crap ton of questions. Just going through everything, just from how you’re supposed to feel right after how you’re supposed to feel three months from now.” Said Allen

Tagovailoa was able to successfully comeback from the injury. He appeared in ten games and started nine of them; the hip showed no signs of slowing him down. Tagovailoa threw for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions and completing 64-percent of his throws.

At the end of their conversation, Tagovailoa gave Allen his phone number and told him to call him if he needs anymore help, or guidance, while recovering.

“He was great to be able to just talk to because it is a very rare injury there’s very few people you can ask about.” Said Allen 

Allen made his return to the practice field today. Although he didn’t suit up, he was able to jog on the sidelines. On top of that, he has started lifting with his lower body. Allen anticipates it being another couple of months until his hip is good to go.

“Thinking of where I was in the past, the first four weeks after surgery, I was lying in bed not really doing anything couldn’t really move, it kind of hurt just getting up to go to the bathroom,” Said Allen. “Just going from that to being able to round the field, did it feel great? No but just being able to do that kind of puts yourself In perspective. It’s a very long process but were right on schedule.”