Laurent Duvernay-Tardif praises Chiefs coach Andy Reid in retirement announcement

During his time with the Chiefs, guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif pursued twin passions: football and medicine.

Duvernay-Tardif reached the pinnacle of football success, starting on the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV championship team. And while with the Chiefs, Duvernay-Tardif also attended medical school at McGill University.

How many NFL coaches would tolerate a player spending time working to become a doctor?

While announcing Thursday that he was retiring as a football player, Duvernay-Tardif made it clear one coach did show such support: the Chiefs’ Andy Reid.

Duvernay-Tardif shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) with his decision to stop playing football, and he made a point of praising Reid.

“I’ve had the chance to play in the NFL for 9 years, and even today, I sometimes can’t believe I was able to experience this adventure,” Duvernay-Tardif wrote. “Being a professional athlete is a privilege as well as an extremely enriching human and personal experience. The victories, losses and injuries have all been moments to learn how to win and lose as a team. While managing a wide range of emotions.

“In 2014, I had the honor of being drafted by coach Reid. He was probably one of the only NFL coaches who positively viewed my desire to complete my medical school studies at McGill while playing football. Since the beginning, he showed his willingness to support me throughout my 7 years with the organization. He believed that a player must flourish off the field to perform on the field. Being able to count on that kind of leadership was an incredible opportunity for me. Thank you to my teammates, and staff at the Chiefs, Jets and McGill for supporting me on this journey.”

After winning the Super Bowl Duvernay-Tardif sat out the 2020 season because of COVID concerns. He was traded to the Jets in 2021 and appeared in 73 regular-season career games, including 60 with the Chiefs.

“Although closing the door on this chapter of my life will be difficult, I am serene in this decision and I retire with the feeling of mission accomplished,” he wrote. “I view this incredible experience not as an ending but as a springboard towards other projects.”

Here is his full message.