Chiefs starting guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is following his heart amid the coronavirus pandemic and won't play in 2020.
Duvernay-Tardif, 29, has opted out of playing this season, he announced on Twitter on Friday evening. A medical doctor as well as a football player, Duvernay-Tardif will focus his efforts on working at a long-term care facility in his native Canada.
"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 wrote.
"Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our health care system. I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."
Duvernay-Tardif started 14 regular-season games for the Chiefs in 2019 as well as their win in the Super Bowl.