When Laurent Duvernay-Tardif appeared on the screen for his videoconference with journalists on Wednesday afternoon, it was very strange to see him dressed in the colors of the New York Jets. At the end of the virtual press briefing about thirty minutes later, we were already used to seeing it in green.
Is the footballer disappointed to have gone from the Kansas City Chiefs, double American Conference champions, to the Jets? No. The ultimate proof is that Duvernay-Tardif controlled his own destiny.
“The Jets phoned the Chiefs a few weeks ago to let them know of their interest. I had a no-trade clause so everything had to go through me. In a “business” which, as we know, is quite tough, I think that everything was done in a human way. There was good communication between Kansas City, me and the Jets. ”
You will guess, the last few days have been intense in emotion for the Quebecer, who donned the Chiefs uniform for the first time this season, and certainly the last time in his career, Monday night.
“It all happened so fast. We were playing in Kansas City on Monday night; we were talking about an exchange on Tuesday; it was concluded at 3 pm; then at 6 p.m., I was on the plane. ”
“I’m very excited to be here, I think I haven’t slept all night! It is a breath of freshness, renewal, a new adventure. And it’s closer to home (from Montreal). ”
Some people wonder why Duvernay-Tardif didn’t just choose to end his career rather than join the Jets. The answer is very simple: because he wants to play football. He also admitted that the last few months had made him realize how much he loved his sport.
“For me, the status quo in Kansas City was not an option because I wanted to play. ”
“I wasn’t going back to Kansas City for the money, I was coming back to play, contribute and win another Super Bowl. Careers in the NFL don’t last indefinitely so sometimes we have to make decisions that are difficult, but at the same time give us new opportunities. ”
New glossary to learn
The Jets will play their next game this Thursday night against the Colts in Indianapolis. Duvernay-Tardif did not make the trip with his new team, which is not the least bit surprising. Football is unlike any other sport in that a player has to learn and memorize a hundred or more games or more before being launched into the heat of the action. The games are similar from team to team, but their names are completely different most of the time.
“I’m going to take advantage of the next few days to settle down (in New York), to learn the playbook, the vocabulary, the way we communicate on the offensive line in order to be able to practice at full speed from Monday. ”
“I have to familiarize myself with the culture of the organization, the playbook and the offensive system in order to earn a position. You can’t take anything for granted in the NFL. ”
Duvernay-Tardif met his new team on Wednesday morning and took part in walk through practice before leaving for Indianapolis. The guard will be able to train with his teammates from Monday, but an acclimatization period of at least a few weeks is to be expected before he can play a game.
“It’s one thing to know the games on paper, but it’s different when you play a game in front of 80,000 spectators and you are in a third down situation with 15 yards to go … You have to be able to remember games in those times. My first days of training will be crucial to see how quickly I can fit into the roster. ”
“I had no knowledge of American football when I came to the Chiefs. But I was watching the (Jets) games this morning and I recognized several concepts. The difference is that they are called differently. The glossary and terminology are different, so it will be to see how quickly I can take it all in. ”
Before accepting his transfer to the Jets, Duvernay-Tardif studied the Jets’ game well. And he liked what he saw from the young team.
“I think my style of play fits pretty well with their offensive system and that’s one of the reasons I chose to join them. ”
“I think I can bring a lot to this team. I hope it will be in a starting role, but if not, it will be to participate feeling that I am part of an organization that wants me and sees potential in me. ”
No bitterness
Duvernay-Tardif has made no secret that he found the first half of the season difficult in Kansas City. When he returned to the game before the start of the season after suffering a broken hand during training camp, he realized he was no longer a part of the team’s plans.
“It was not easy knowing that I was in great shape and not having the opportunity to play. ”
“The more the season progressed, the more I wanted to be part of an organization that wanted me. And the Jets really wanted to get me since we had been talking for three weeks. It made sense to terminate the no-trade clause so that you could be part of a team that is building something new and different. I wanted to be part of it. ”
“It’s a good thing for all sides. I’m in a better position to have a chance to play, which is my ultimate goal, and the Jets will have good guard, I’m sure. ”
However, do not believe that Duvernay-Tardif has bitterness for his former team. He, Andy Reid and the other Chiefs coaches chatted Tuesday, and it was all done in a respectful and positive manner. What good memories.
“I wouldn’t be here today if the Chiefs hadn’t drafted me in 2014. I’m very grateful for everything this organization has done for me. ”
“In my mind, the last time I played a game (for the Chiefs) was when we won the Super Bowl in Miami (in February 2020). So that’s not a bad way to end my career with Kansas City. ”
New contract?
Like anyone else, Duvernay-Tardif wants to feel wanted by his employer, as will surely be the case with the Jets. He’s also excited to be part of a team led by new head coach Robert Saleh who is trying to establish himself as a winning roster.
“It’s exciting to be part of a new organization. There is a stress of integrating into a new team, but from the moment I accepted the exchange, I saw it positively. I’ve been privileged to be part of one organization for eight years, but I’m curious about something else. I think my NFL experience will be more complete thanks to this opportunity. ”
“When a team shows us interest, we feel wanted. Looks like we’re still fighting for his place in the NFL. In Kansas City, no matter how hard I fought, there was less openness from them in the last few weeks. To see that there was still interest in me, even if I had not played for 18 months, despite the payroll and the contract, it gives a dose of confidence. ”
Duvernay-Tardif will still have to find his bearings with the Jets.
“I’m starting from zero, it’s like when I got to high school after elementary school,” he said.
“Looks like we have the whole future ahead of us and that’s something that excites me. ”
Which brings us to the famous question: Does Duvernay-Tardif want to continue his career in the NFL in 2022 and for the following years or not? Would he agree to sign a contract extension with the Jets?
“It was definitely part of the conversations we had before we agreed to the trade, my agent and me.” I don’t think I would be here today if I had the mentality that this is for sure my last season. ”
“I had discussions with the medical school to see what was possible. I have no guarantee of what will happen because I don’t even know if I will play. But what I do know is that it’s all on the table. Depending on how things go, we’ll see what happens next. I do not close any doors. ”