In February 2020, the Canadian Laurent Duvernay-Tardif He celebrated the Super Bowl won against the San Francisco 49ers with Patrick Mahomes. During that season he played 14 games
. Weeks later, the coronavirus pandemic began to rage in Europe and America.
The NFL, like other American leagues, gave its athletes facilities to voluntarily and without retaliation, suspend their contracts and resign from the season for fear of contagion.
In August the name of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif appeared on the list of the first players to suspend his contract, making him the Chiefs’ big absentee in Super Bowl LV.
However, the Chiefs player He did not give up the season for fear of contagion, but decided to pursue his career as a doctor and since April 2020 it has been part of the first line that fights the coronavirus in Montreal, Canada.
The original plan was to support your medical colleagues during the offseason, but on June 24 he officially resigned from the season through a statement he posted on his Twitter account.
“Being on the front lines this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it places on the people in our healthcare system. I cannot potentially afford to transmit the virus in our communities simply by playing the sport I love. “, explained.
My decision regarding the 2020 NFL season pic.twitter.com/jrY3nZfNWO
– Laurent D. Tardif (@LaurentDTardif) July 25, 2020
Duvernay-Tardif was recognized by the NFL
On November 14, the NFL held a tribute to the Chiefs player, so that in the Hall of Fame wore scrub pajamas, with the Chiefs logo, and a robe, referring to Duvernay-Tardif.
@LaurentDTardif
Laurent had entered the third of five seasons signed with Kansas and because of playing in the NFL, he had stopped his medical career, so despite having a Ph.D., his duties were not to diagnose.
“It was difficult to jump as a doctor because I’m not really a doctor at this specific time… I’m doing some nursing duties, delivering medications and making sure the patients are okay “He mentioned in a virtual conference with journalists in July.
Train at home and follow the Chiefs
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s plans are to return to the NFL, so he has followed the Chiefs games and trains at home. “I try to do all the virtual soccer training that I can and exercise at home ”.
He is also recognized in the hospital by patients, with whom he usually celebrates when they recover.
Thanks to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and the whole team on the field and the sidelines of the # ByeBye2020!
Signed: a veteran happy to have contributed to the game. 😀🏈 pic.twitter.com/0cFoYzafkl– Yves Pelletier (@AncienMaigre) January 1, 2021