Only one year ago, offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, was celebrating his team's Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Now, Duvernay-Tardif has decided to step away from the sport in favor of helping others.
The med school graduate has been working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic at a long-term care facility in Canada. Duvernay-Tardif said that he will forego "play[ing] the sport he loves" in order to assist as an orderly until the novel coronavirus is under control.
The 29-year-old pro athlete published an open letter on social media last week stating that he will be absent from the 2020 NFL season.
The Chiefs are now in a position where they must regroup after Duvernay-Tarif and running back Damien Williams.
"It hurts," said tight end Travis Kelce. "The guys that we have in that locker room can fill that void. I honestly believe that. We have an unbelievable roster, and I'm excited to see how this group molds together."