Super Bowl Winner Opts Out Of NFL Season To Help On COVID-19 Frontline

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has become the first player to opt out of the 2020 NFL season. His reasoning? To remain on the coronavirus frontline in Canada.

The Kansas City Chiefs right guard is also a practicing doctor and has been working as an orderly in Montreal after winning the Super Bowl at the start of the year.

But instead of hitting the practise field ahead fo the delayed 2020 NFL season, Duvernay-Tardif has been working non-stop to help those in need of assistance during these tough times in the global pandemic.

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"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," Duvernay-Tardif said in a statement.

"Being at the frontline during this off-season has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system.

"I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."

The 29-year-old's selfless act has been backed by the NFL.

What it does mean, though, is that Duvernay-Tardif's $2.75million contract will take a hit - not that he (or anyone for that matter) would care given his incredible gesture.

The NFL's opt-out deal means the Kansas City star would still make $150,000 while helping emergency services fight the virus.

And while the offensive lineman-turned-frontline worker's decision may have initially shocked his teammates, the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Co quickly threw their support behind the courageous move.

According to Adam Teicher of ESPN, Mahomes said: "It surprises anyone but I respect his decision".

And even if he doesn't play a single snap in the NFL this season, Duvernay-Tardif's heroics will be regarded as one of the finest sporting moments of 2020.

If anyone is deserving of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, it's this bloke.

Topics: American Football, Patrick Mahomes, Coronavirus, NFL, Australia, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry