Through his inspiring journey that combined football and medicine, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was a role model for countless young Quebecers. After nine years in the NFL, the “Doc” decided to hang up his shoulder pads and take a look at his busy career. Here, in chronological order, are ten key moments that marked his time in the premier professional sports league of North America.
• Also read: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is retiring from the NFL
1. “From McGill, the Chiefs draft…”
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was noticed by the Chiefs while he was playing at McGill University. ARCHIVE PHOTO, ANNIE T ROUSSEL
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s adventure in the NFL began on May 10, 2014. In the draft, the Chiefs selected him in the sixth round with the 200th pick overall. Head coach Andy Reid saw something in Duvernay-Tardif from the start and encouraged him to continue his medical studies at McGill University while playing in the NFL. “It took a long time, but it is so rewarding. It’s wonderful to get the call from the Chiefs surrounded by family and friends. It’s an unforgettable moment,” LDT said at the time.
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2. A place in the squad
LDT first had to impress in training with the Chiefs. Archive photo, AFP
In his first training camp with the Chiefs, the Quebec guard managed to secure a spot on the team that is never guaranteed for a late draft pick. The man his teammates quickly nicknamed Larry found a place not on the reserve team but on the regular 53-player roster because the Chiefs cared about him and believed in his potential. He didn’t take part in any games in 2014, but that shouldn’t last long…
3. A guard leaves
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif with 2015 Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith. Archive photo, AFP
After an instructive season, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif won his bet by achieving what many thought was impossible when he secured his place in the Chiefs’ starting lineup. He took part in 16 games for his team, 13 of which were in the trenches as a right-back. During that 2015 season, he made a name for himself and established himself in the NFL.
4. A historic contract
With his agent Sasha Ghavami during the contract signing. Archive photo, QMI Agency
After three seasons in the NFL, including two as a starter, the Chiefs confirmed that Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was now among the elite at his position. On February 27, 2017, he received a new contract from the team worth 41.25 million for five years. At the time of signing, he was the fourth-highest earner in the league among guards. “As I am now one of the highest paid players in my position, that comes with a lot of responsibility, but it is not a crushing pressure,” he said.
5. Call him doctor!
Another great day during the medical graduation ceremony in May 2018. Photo provided by VINCENT ÉTHIER
On May 29, 2018, another of Duvernay-Tardif’s big dreams came true when he officially graduated from McGill University with his medical degree. He became the first player in NFL history to claim the title of doctor. Ultimately, he was never able to convince the big leagues to let him proudly wear the letters MD on his jersey, but the moment was no less grand for him. “It means a lot to me and I don’t know if I realize that yet. It’s an indescribable feeling of pride,” he said.
6. A Super Bowl win
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was at the center of the action against the 49ers in Super Bowl 54. Archive photo, AFP
On February 2, 2020, in Miami, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif added another achievement to his long list of achievements when he won Super Bowl 54 with the Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers. The guard finished the game despite suffering a calf injury. “It is by far the best moment of my life. “Seeing my family, my parents, Flo (his partner) and my hospital gang in the 300 area with their banners and flags, experiencing this with them is incredible,” said the enthusiastic athlete.
7. Fame at CHSLD
Even Bye Bye 2020 highlighted Duvernay-Tardif’s presence in CHSLD. Free photo
Shortly after winning the Super Bowl, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Torn between his love of football and his entrepreneurial mission as a doctor, Duvernay-Tardif, like several other players in the NFL, decided to take a break from the Chiefs for the 2020 season. Far from sitting idle, he invested in CHSLD. “Playing in the Super Bowl versus going back into the medical system during a pandemic is completely different. In February I knew over 100 million people would be watching the game and I wanted to win. If you help, it is your duty as a doctor and a citizen. This is not the time to play hero and be impulsive,” he explained.
8th. Traded to Jets
In 2021, LDT traded the Chiefs’ red for the Jets’ green. Photo USA TODAY Sports
Duvernay-Tardif returned to play in 2021, was injured in training camp and was unable to regain his position as a starter. On November 2nd, 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. “Leaving Kansas City was not an easy decision. When I decided not to play last year, I resolved to do everything in my power to get back on the field. Joining the Jets gives me the best opportunity to play,” he commented.
9. One last time…
Duvernay-Tardif played his last game as a starter for the Jets on January 1st. Archive photo, Getty Images via AFP
Last season, when everyone assumed LDT’s career was finally behind him, he pulled another rabbit out of the hat when he returned to action in November. The Jets needed reinforcements on the offensive line and placed him on their reserve team. Duvernay-Tardif stayed true to form and quickly climbed up the rankings, and by December 11th he had regained ground. He even played a starter’s game against the Seahawks in Seattle on January 1st and a final game against the Dolphins in Miami on January 8th. A strange twist of fate, because it was in this city that he celebrated his Super Bowl triumph three years earlier.
10. Bye!
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif received his Super Bowl champion ring during a summer vacation in Gaspésie. Photo from Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s Facebook page. Photo from Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s Facebook page
Now that the time has come for retirement, Duvernay-Tardif will not be forgotten in Quebec’s sports and cultural landscape, having participated in numerous television projects and advertising campaigns throughout his career, in addition to leading the foundation. His name encourages young people People to stay active. At the height of his career in 2020, he was a joint recipient of the Northern Star Award, given to the outstanding Canadian athlete, alongside soccer star Alphonso Davies. The renowned magazine Sports Illustrated also named him Sportsman of the Year.