Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is back home after enjoying the joy of a mid-season return with the New York Jets. It’s not yet time to make a definite decision about his future.
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He’s a “doc” in excellent shape who had a lengthy discussion with the journal. After all, he still bet on himself and won his bet.
After long months away from football, he signed with the Jets in mid-November, initially joining the practice squad. After a few weeks, he was back on the regular roster and even returned to his starting position as right guard for the Jan. 1 game in Seattle.
To know if this achievement encourages him to return to the game or prefers to leave with a good grade, it will be necessary to wait.
“The love of football is still there. I still have the passion, but I have to weigh the pros and cons,” he said.
In position to choose
For the offensive lineman, who turns 32 next week, the schedule looks similar to last year. In other words, no press yet.
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“I’m not actively looking for a contract. I want to revisit my plans here and see what might happen this fall. If along the way I feel that I am no longer passionate about football or not training like I should, I will decide accordingly.
“My attitude is that I’ve reached a point in my career where I’ve earned the privilege of putting myself in situations that I’ve put myself in this year. Only a small fraction of players get to that point after nine years in the NFL,” he said.
late opportunities
Several teams expressed an interest in spring during last year’s off-season, but Duvernay-Tardif wanted to start his medical training in the summer. By the fall, three teams, including the Jets, still wanted his services.
“Last year at this time of year I had the same speech as now. Eventually I will see if the phone stops ringing or if I have more to lose than gain by returning to football. I’m not in think mode yet. Last year I had a choice. We’ll see if I can make it this year or not,” he commented.
File Photo, Getty Images via AFP
The free-agent market starts March 15, but even then, that doesn’t bother the nine-year NFL veteran.
“I’m not in the player profile for the free agent market. I’m more part of the profile to improve a team along the way. I am very happy in this category. I now understand the physical implications of all the football being played before I play a game that really matters.
No regret
As for his second experience with the Jets, Duvernay-Tardif is pleased to have jumped on the train, even when the cars derailed. The Jets lost their last six games by a 7-10 record and were eliminated from the playoffs.
“It’s a disappointment, that’s for sure. They still have collective and personal aspirations. On the team side, it was disappointing to experience this losing streak that prevented us from reaching the playoffs. It is shared with my individual satisfaction of having found a starting position. I remain very privileged and have no regrets.
In the coming months, Duvernay-Tardif will not only have its future on the ground in mind. His heart also beats between family medicine and public health.
“To make a good choice, I need to take the time to think about how I can use the platform I’ve built in the NFL to promote something I care about,” the Doctor concluded.
Sincerely with the Chiefs
We can get Laurent Duvernay-Tardif out of the Chiefs, but we can’t get the Chiefs out of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.
The Montreal native may have spent the last two seasons with the Jets, but he can’t help but rejoice as he watches his former team finish in Super Bowl 57 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Duvernay-Tardif was drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round and stayed with them through mid-season 2021, where he won the Super Bowl in February 2020.
In recent weeks, he and his wife Florence have traveled to Kansas City for the first time since his trade to resolve some issues and encourage the Chiefs in the playoffs.
“I’ve spoken to former teammates who live in Kansas City but are no longer with the Chiefs, and everyone experiences the cut differently. I went back there with a big smile on my face, I was so happy!” he responded.
Always in people’s hearts
Duvernay-Tardif spent four days in his adopted country and realized that he had not been forgotten.
“It was important for me to come back, take a few days to visit all the restaurants and all the little places that we liked and then go to the game.
“Everyone welcomed us with open arms. I’ve been hooked so many times by people on the street saying, welcome back doc! I had the motto several times. It’s fun to see you’ve made your mark on this city,” he said.
A big challenge
Duvernay-Tardif didn’t get wet in the game of predictions, but he can’t help but appreciate the magnitude of the challenge that awaits the Chiefs.
“The Super Bowl is often about who has the most complete team, and there are a lot of injuries with the Chiefs. It will depend on how things play out over the next few weeks, but the Eagles also look very dominant. It’s going to be a very good game,” slipped the one who doesn’t hide his bias.
“I’m happy for the Chiefs. You can’t want these guys to be successful. It’s serious when I look at her. I live stress, happiness, it’s a mix of emotions.
“It’s fun to know that I’ve been part of this movement and helped quietly build the Chiefs’ reputation. My history in football is a lot in Kansas City.”
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