Kansas City Chiefs player Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to opt out of the upcoming NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He earned a medical degree from McGill University and has been working to fulfill his requirements to become a doctor in the off-season.

This summer Tardif has been on the front lines against COVID-19 and made his announcement on twitter:

My decision regarding the 2020 NFL season pic.twitter.com/jrY3nZfNWO

— Laurent D. Tardif (@LaurentDTardif) July 25, 2020

“This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally,” Duvernay-Tardif said in a message on Twitter. “Being on the frontline during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system. I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love.”

Giants Player Opting Out Of 2020 Season After Listening To Holy Spirit