The Super Bowl-winning athlete, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, follows his convictions to opt-out of the upcoming 2020 NFL season to continue working on the frontlines as a medical practitioner.

Super Bowl-Winning Athlete

Earlier this year, the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. During the off-season, Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif served on the frontlines during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The medical school graduate from McGill University in Montreal recently announced that he will be out of the NFL’s upcoming season to continue serving those who have been affected by the virus. He said in his statement that he decided to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season because of his convictions.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life. But I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally,” Laurent said. “That is why I have decided to take the Opt-Out Option negotiated by the League and the NFLPA and officially opt out of the 2020 NFL season.”

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Because of the health crisis that we are all facing, the NFL has offered players the “Opt-Out Option” for the upcoming season. They are aiming to minimize the risk of spreading the virus within the community. The league decided to offer $350,000 and an accrued NFL season to players who are high-risk for COVID-19.

Players who are not as high-risk will be earning $150,000 for opting out. Laurent traded the millions he would have earned from playing the sport he loves to serve those who are in need.

“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,” he added. “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.”

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