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Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has a new appreciation for football after missing all of last season to work as a doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duvernay-Tardif said he recognizes “how privileged we are to play ball” after taking a year off from the sport, according to USA Today.
Duvernay-Tardif — who is a medical doctor — was the first player to opt out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19. In his opt-out message, Duvernay-Tardif said he felt he had to focus his attention on caring for COVID-19 patients in 2020.
That experience caused him to re-think his priorities, but he added that it’s “awesome” to be back with the Chiefs, according to USA Today.
“After everything we’ve been through in the last year, it sets your priorities and makes you realize how privileged we are to play ball,” the right guard told USA TODAY Sports after Thursday’s practice at Missouri Western University. “After everything I witnessed on the front lines, to be here, playing football with a great group of guys, it’s really awesome.”
Duvernay-Tardif said caring for patients took an “emotional toll.” He added that the hospital in which he worked “lost a lot of patients” during the pandemic. Duvernay-Tardif said he kept in touch with Chiefs players to help deal with his stress.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has no regrets over sitting out in 2020
Though there were times where Duvernay-Tardif missed being around the Chiefs, he doesn’t regret his decision to sit out the 2020 NFL season. Duvernay-Tardif told Terez Paylor in February that he “knew what I signed up for” when he agreed to step away from the game.
Duvernay-Tardif said he initially felt like he let the Chiefs down by opting out, but said the support he received from his teammates made him feel better about that decision.
“Feeling the support from coach Reid, from the guys, not only over the phone but also in the media and press conferences, it really means a lot. It’s what the team is all about.”
Duvernay-Tardif tried to work out as much as possible during the pandemic, but is still knocking off some rust in camp. After starting Super Bowl LIV, Duvernay-Tardif is working with the second team during training camp.
He has a chance to play a key role for the Chiefs in 2021, who are looking for upgrades on the offensive line after struggling to give Patrick Mahomes a clean pocket in Super Bowl LV.
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