Running back Damien Williams is now the second Chiefs player to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien’s choice, knowing it was made in the best interest of his family,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Wednesday.” He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person, and we’re going to miss having him around this season.”
Players who decide they want to opt out have until Aug. 3 to do so, and they will receive a stipend from the owners, the Associated Press reports. The amount of the stipend will be $350,000 for medical opt outs and $150,000 for voluntary opt outs.
The Chiefs signed Williams in 2018, and signed him to a 2-year, $8.1 million contract extension later that year. His contract will toll to the 2021 season.
Williams had a big impact in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win. He recorded a receiving and rushing touchdown, giving the team the lead and securing the team’s 31-20 win.
The Chiefs running back group still includes Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson and Deandre Washington.