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Chiefs Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Will Be On The Line In A Different Field Despite Opting Out Of The Upcoming NFL Season

Kansas City Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif will be on the line in a different field, opting out of the 2020 NFL season to fight covid

Kansas City Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is the first player to opt-out of the NFL season due to COVID-19. He tweeted Friday to announce the tough decision. Laurent will not take the field with the Chiefs this season, however, he will still be on the line, but in a different field.


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Duvernay-Tardif graduated from McGill University Faculty of Medicine in May 2018 with a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery (M.D., Ch.M.). He has been using his medical degree this offseason to assist on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. In doing so, the chiefs lineman’s eyes have been opened to the real threat that COVID presents, and how it has affected so many people.

“Being at the frontline during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” said the Chiefs lineman. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.”

The Chiefs lineman added there is “no doubt in [his] mind” the Chiefs’ medical personnel have a strong plan to minimize health risks for the upcoming season, but that some risks still remain with the virus.

Duvernay-Tardif is the only Chiefs player — and one of just four in the NFL — to hold a medical degree. Treating COVID-19 patients can’t be nearly as fun as pancaking people into the ground. Although, the KC lineman’s decision to opt out of the season and fight a different fight is a very commendable one. I will never fault someone for following their heart and doing what is best for them. And in this scenario, Duvernay-Tardif is doing what’s best for everyone — a very selfless act, despite the tough decision. I hope he uses his experience and his voice to advocate for the NFL taking necessary action to execute a safe season.

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