Starting Kansas City Chiefs Damien Williams announced that he will opt out of the 2020 NFL season, days after team right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player in the league to take the decision amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was informed by Williams that he was going to sit down.
“Damien Williams informed the club of his decision to opt out of the 2020 season,” Veach said in a statement. “As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien’s choice, knowing that it was made in the best interest of his family. It means a lot to our football team as a player and as a person, and we will miss having him around this season. ”
NFL PLAYERS WHO HAVE STOPPED PLAYING THE 2020 SEASON ABOUT CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS
In 2019, Williams ran for 498 rushing yards and five touchdowns, and had 30 receptions for 213 receiving yards. He was only limited to just 11 games due to injuries, but he played a big role for the Chiefs during his playoff career, leading to a Super Bowl title.
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In an AFC Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans, Williams accumulated three touchdowns, and a week later against the Tennessee Titans, he had another score with five catches for 44 yards.
Against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, Williams had 104 rushing yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns, including a 38-yard score to seal the game later in the fourth quarter.
Williams’ presence will no doubt be missed, but the Chiefs recruited LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who will now take an early role with the team and should immediately produce as the lead.
