10 notable moments in the career of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Through his inspiring journey which combined football and medicine, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was an example for countless young Quebecers. After nine years in the NFL, the “Doc” chose to hang up his shoulder pads and to take an overview of his busy career, here are 10 important moments that marked, in chronological order, his time in the most important sports league professional in North America.

1. “From McGill, the Chiefs draft…”

It was on May 10, 2014 that Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s adventure began in the NFL. In the draft, the Chiefs made him their sixth round selection, with the 200th overall pick. From the beginning, head coach Andy Reid saw something in Duvernay-Tardif and encouraged him to pursue his medical studies at McGill University while playing in the NFL. “It’s been a long wait, but it’s so rewarding. It’s wonderful to get the call from the Chiefs, surrounded by family and friends. It’s a memorable moment,” LDT said at the time.

2. A spot on the roster

In his first training camp with the Chiefs, the Quebec guard managed to earn a position with the team, which is never guaranteed for a late draft pick. The man his teammates quickly nicknamed Larry did not find a place on the reserve team, but on the regular roster of 53 players because the Chiefs cared about him and believed in his potential. In 2014, he didn’t take part in any matches, but that wouldn’t be long…

3. A guard post leaving

After a learning season, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif won his bet by achieving what many thought impossible when he made his place in the Chiefs’ starting lineup. He took part in 16 of his team’s matches, including 13 in the trenches as the right guard. It was during this 2015 season that he made a name for himself and established himself in the NFL.

4. A historic contract

After three seasons in the NFL, including two as a starter, the Chiefs confirmed that Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was now part of the elite at his position. On February 27, 2017, the team awarded him a new contract worth 41.25 million for a period of five years. At the time of signing, he became the fourth highest earner in the league among guards. “Now that I am one of the highest paid players in my position, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with that, but it is not a stifling pressure,” he said.

5. Call him Doctor!

On May 29, 2018, another big dream of Duvernay-Tardif was realized when he officially graduated from McGill University with a degree in medicine. He thus became the first player in NFL history to claim the title of doctor. He ultimately never convinced the big leagues to let him proudly display the letters MD on his jersey, but the moment was no less grandiose for him. “It means a lot to me and I don’t know if I fully realize it yet. It’s an indescribable feeling of pride,” he said.

6. A Super Bowl victory

On February 2, 2020 in Miami, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif added another feat to his long list of accomplishments when he won Super Bowl 54 with the Chiefs, against the San Francisco 49ers. The guard completed the match even though he suffered a calf injury along the way. “It’s the best moment of my life, by far. To see my family, my parents, Flo (his partner) and to see my gang of sick people in the 300 section with their banners and their flags, it’s incredible to experience that with them,” rejoiced the delighted athlete. .

7. Glory at the CHSLD

Shortly after winning the Super Bowl, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Torn between his love of football and his corporate mission as a doctor, Duvernay-Tardif chose to walk away from the Chiefs for the 2020 season, like some other players across the NFL. Far from remaining idle, he invested in CHSLD. “Playing in the Super Bowl, versus going back into the medical system during a pandemic, it’s totally different. In February, I knew over 100 million people were going to watch the game and I wanted to win. When you go to help, it is a duty as a doctor and a citizen. This is not the time to play the hero and be impulsive,” he explained.

8. Traded to Jets

Returning to play in 2021, Duvernay-Tardif was injured in training camp and was unable to regain his position as starter. On November 2, at the trade deadline, he agreed to waive his no-trade clause and the Chiefs sent him to the New York Jets, where he began a new chapter in his career. “Saying goodbye to Kansas City was not an easy decision. When I decided not to play last year, I promised myself I would do everything in my power to get back on the field. Joining the Jets gives me the best opportunity to play,” he commented.

9. For one last time…

Last season, when everyone assumed LDT’s career was well and truly behind him, he pulled another rabbit out of his hat when he returned to action in November. The Jets needed reinforcements on the offensive line and hired him on their reserve team. True to form, Duvernay-Tardif quickly climbed the ranks and by December 11, he was seeing ground again. On January 1, he even played one game as a starter against the Seahawks in Seattle and on January 8, he played one last game against the Dolphins in Miami. A strange wink from destiny, since it was in this city that he celebrated his triumph at the Super Bowl, three years earlier.

10. Bye!

Now that retirement time has come, Duvernay-Tardif is not about to be forgotten in the Quebec sporting and cultural landscape, he who over the course of his career has also taken part in numerous television projects and advertising campaigns in addition to leading the foundation in his name which encourages young people to remain active. At the height of his career in 2020, he was co-recipient, with soccer star Alphonso Davies, of the Northern Star Award, given to the outstanding Canadian athlete. The prestigious Sports Illustrated also named him Sportsperson of the Year.