New York Jets offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif speaks to reporters at the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J., on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Credit: AP/Dennis Waszak Jr.
When most NFL players were getting ready for the 2020 season, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was preparing for something much bigger than football. He turned in his helmet, pads and uniform for a face shield, sanitary gloves and scrubs.
Duvernay-Tardif, the Jets’ starting right guard, was the first NFL player to opt out last season because of COVID-19. He wasn’t concerned about getting the coronavirus, though. He wanted to assist and care for those who did.