AceShowbiz - When the game stops being just a game, and life takes center stage, bonds of brotherhood and family make the headlines. American football players send love and support for fellow athlete Tua Tagovailoa following his injury.

Manti Te'o became visibly emotional while discussing his "little brother" Tua Tagovailoa's recent concussion during Thursday night, September 12's NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills.

The injury was the result of Tagovailoa, who is no stranger to head injuries, colliding with Bills safety Damar Hamlin late in the third quarter. An already heart-wrenching scene unfolded as Tagovailoa was helped off the field by medical staff, leaving his status for the rest of the 2024-2025 season in doubt.

On Friday's episode of the NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," Te'o expressed his fears and hopes for the Dolphins quarterback. The former linebacker recounted wanting Tagovailoa to retire from professional football after the 2022 season due to growing concerns for his well-being.

Choking back tears, Te'o explained, "I want the best for Tua, the man, the father. He's a father of two now. I want him to be able, not today, but 10, 15, 20 years down the line to be able to raise his children, to be able to walk his daughter down the aisle. That's what I want for Tua, that's true joy."

The bond between Te'o and Tagovailoa runs deep as both athletes share a background in Hawaii's football community and have grown close through their Polynesian heritage. Te'o's intense reactions highlight the personal and painful nature of Tagovailoa's repeated concussions, the third of which he suffered this past Thursday. His latest concussion followed a series of frightening head injuries from the 2022 season.

Te'o isn't the only one who felt for Tagovailoa. Bills safety Damar Hamlin, whose hit was involved in the latest incident, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his support. "My love and prayers with @Tua fasho..," Hamlin wrote. "Sending you strength and healing for a speedy recovery. much love broski."

Bills quarterback Josh Allen echoed similar sentiments, describing the incident as "very sad" and "the worst part of the game." Allen added, "He's a great football player but he's an even greater human being. He's one of the best humans on the planet. I've got a lot of love for him, and I'm just praying for him and his family and hoping everything is OK."

The emotional toll of the game has clearly resonated throughout the football community, wrapping a story of brotherhood, resilience, and the harsh realities faced by professional athletes. Te'o's hope remains for Tagovailoa to make the right decision that prioritizes his long-term health and happiness, regardless of the lure of the game.