Kansas City, MO – April 28, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs stunned fans Monday, announcing the return of Super Bowl LIV hero Laurent Duvernay-Tardif as a medical consultant, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 34-year-old, who retired in 2023 to pursue his medical career, rejoins Chiefs Kingdom to bolster the team’s medical staff, reigniting passion after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Duvernay-Tardif, a former right guard, started 57 games for Kansas City from 2014 to 2020, anchoring the line in their 31-20 Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers (NFL.com). A McGill University medical graduate, he opted out of the 2020 season to combat COVID-19, earning Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year and the Lou Marsh Trophy. Now a practicing physician in Montreal, his expertise in emergency medicine enhances the Chiefs’ medical team led by Rick Burkholder.
“Laurent’s a legend,” GM Brett Veach told reporters. With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City structured a part-time consulting role, allowing Duvernay-Tardif to continue his Montreal practice. His NFL experience, including a 2021 hand injury, equips him to advise on player recoveries like Rashee Rice’s ACL tear.
Coach Andy Reid, who supported Duvernay-Tardif’s medical studies, beamed: “He’s Chiefs royalty.” Fans erupted in joy: “Dr. LDT back at Arrowhead? Unreal!” one wrote. The Chiefs, who drafted Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith, see Duvernay-Tardif’s return as a morale boost.
With three remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets wide receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Duvernay-Tardif’s homecoming, blending medical expertise with Chiefs legacy, fuels 2025 Super Bowl dreams, uniting a fanbase longing for their hero’s return.
