Athlete Spotlight: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
A standout college athlete and one of the best football players in Canada, he dominated the field at McGill University, earning the J.P. Metras Trophy as the top-down lineman in Canadian university football and becoming a two-time CIS All-Canadian. His talent and leadership led to him being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014, where he reached the pinnacle of his football career by winning a Super Bowl in 2020.
Balancing these accomplishments with the demands of professional football, he primarily used the NFL off-season to pursue his other passion: medicine.
Meet Laurent Duvernay-Tardif:
Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery: Earned his degree from McGill University, becoming one of the few professional athletes to complete medical school while playing in the NFL.
Master of Public Health: Enrolled in Harvard University in 2020 to expand his expertise in healthcare.
Frontline Worker During COVID-19: Opted out of the 2020 NFL season to serve in long-term care facilities in Quebec, prioritizing his medical skills to help his community during the pandemic.
Award-Winning Athlete: Recognized as Canada’s Athlete of the Year with the prestigious Lou Marsh Trophy (2020) for outstanding contributions on and off the field. Also honoured as Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2020) for exceptional healthcare work during the pandemic, showcasing a commitment to community impact beyond athletics.
Order of Canada (2024): Recognized for his outstanding contributions to sports and medicine.
From winning on the football field to making a difference in healthcare, his journey reminds us that success isn’t confined to one path. As he says, "It's all about balance. Don't give up on your passions." Laurent Duvernay-Tardif exemplifies how transferable skills and commitment can lead to extraordinary achievements beyond sports.
