Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive lineman and medical doctor Laurent Duvernay-Tardif received recognition from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday.
“Just a year ago, I joined Canadians in the celebration of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s Super Bowl success and today, I join Canadians in thanking him for his selflessness in the fight against COVID-19,” Trudeau told NFL Canada.
“As a trained medical doctor, Laurent chose not to play football this year. He instead returned home to join a new team in Canada, to join other healthcare professionals and protect Canadians from the virus.”
Duvernay-Tardif won Super Bowl LIV in February 2020 as Kansas City’s starting right guard. The ongoing pandemic broke out soon after, which brought the practicing medical doctor to the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.
The native of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que. opted out of the 2020 NFL season back in July to dedicate his time to his patients. His team has reached the Super Bowl again in his absence and will face Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Duvernay-Tardif has been recognized several times this year for his tremendous work and personal sacrifice. He was a co-recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy and his lab coat is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Being thanked personally by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is just the latest in a long line of honours that have been bestowed upon the 29-year-old.
