Not long after the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed on the terms for training camp, Kansas City Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to announce that he was choosing not to participate in the 2020 season.
Less than 24 hours after Duvernay-Tardif’s announcement, the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs were kicking off their camp and Kansas City superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed support and respect for Duvernay-Tardif’s decision, though he admitted which was a surprise.
“I think it surprises everyone, but at the same time it respects their decision,” Mahomes told the media on Saturday at a Zoom press conference. “He is a guy who has been on the front line working with the people who suffer from COVID every day and dedicating all that time and all that work. He understands it and his decision was that he wanted to stay there; he wanted to continue helping in that capacity and I know it was difficult for him, but you respect the decision to put his thoughts aside and do what he believed was best to help his community and the world as he sees it. “
A graduate of Canada’s McGill University School of Medicine, Duvernay-Tardif, 29, has been working as an assistant in a long-term care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid spoke enthusiastically of his Duvernay-Tardif and his admiration for his decision and his sacrifice to his other profession.
“I am very happy and proud,” said Reid. “What a tribute to him and the profession. They are natural donors and healers. No, I was not surprised.”
Speaking to other teammates, Mahomes mentioned that he has heard nothing but support for the Duvernay-Tardif election and his reasoning behind it.
“Of everyone I’ve spoken to, everyone respects their decision 100%,” said Mahomes. “Larry is a guy who loves soccer, but he also loves his other passions and being a doctor is extremely important, especially in this moment in which we are in this world. And for him, I know it is difficult for him, he wants to be here with us, he wants to be a part of us, he wants to be a part of the boys, but at the same time, he wants to make sure that he is doing something to make the world a better place and I think he is doing that. first hand and you understand you have to be in that place now and we will respect you and give you all the support we can. “
As for Mahomes’ personal concerns for his safety regarding the new coronavirus, he admitted that he has some, but has been satisfied and more comfortable since arriving at training camp at the Arrowhead Stadium facility.
“There will definitely be a little concern,” said Mahomes. “You would lie to say you don’t worry, but at the same time I was in all the facilities last night and a little bit today and seeing all the protocols and all the security things that [Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance] Haystack [Burkholder] And all these guys have featured, it really made me feel even better than I thought. Knowing how much the NFL and NFLPA have really invested to make sure we can be as safe as possible. That reassures me a bit knowing that I am going to be in the best possible situation, given the time, to be as safe and healthy as possible. “
Beyond training camp, the loss of Duvernay-Tardif could be crucial as the Chiefs compete for consecutive Super Bowl titles. Duvernay-Tardif, the Kansas City’s starting titular right for five of his six NFL seasons, started 14 games in last year’s regular season. Ryan Hunter and Andrew Wylie are candidates to advance the depth chart to replace him.
“Would we love to have Larry? Absolutely,” Reid said, “but we understand his cause.”
