Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

His meteoric rise has been so remarkable that the Kansas City Star called him “the most interesting man in the NFL.” Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is the first active player in the NFL to hold a medical degree. Laurent stands out for his philanthropic involvement in healthcare, culture, and education. His leadership and positive impact in the community were underlined in 2021 with the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, which honors his efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

In May 2014, at the age of only 26, the Mont-Saint-Hilaire native became the 10th Canadian—and first Quebecker—to be drafted by an NFL team. In his second season in Kansas City, the six-foot-five-inch 330-pound player earned the position of right guard on the team. He finished his third season this winter.

Passionate about both football and medicine, Laurent turned a deaf ear when counselors and family members advised him to choose between sports and studies. And it proved to be the right choice! “It’s all about balance. Don’t give up on your passions!” he tells the young people he meets at the many talks he gives at schools.

In 2017, their common desire to be involved with young people led Laurent and Florence-Agathe to co-create the LDT Foundation. With the support of an experienced team, they set up innovative programs combining art and sports in a network of elementary schools across Quebec. Their goal: to transmit their passion for art and sports to students by giving them access to activities that encourage them to succeed at school and thrive personally.