MONTREAL -- Laurent Duvernay-Tardif of the Kansas City Chiefs has become the first National Football League player to announce that he is opting out of playing the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally," wrote the 29-year-old native of Mont St. Hilaire, Que., on his social media accounts, Friday evening. "That is why I have decided to take the 'Opt Out Option' negotiated by the League and the (Players Association) and officially opt out of the 2020 NFL season."

Duvernay-Tardif, who played for McGill from 2010 through 2013 and graduated from the university's medical school in 2018, signed a four-year contract extension three years ago that would have paid him a base salary of $2.75 million U.S. this season.

"Being on the frontline during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system" he added. "I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."

In February, the starting 6-foot-5, 321-pound offensive right guard, became the first native Quebecer to win the Super Bowl and second McGill football grad to play in the NFL's championship game, joining Dr. Jean-Philippe Darche who played for Seattle in the 2006 contest and currently serves as one of the team's physicians in Kansas City. LDT, as he is known, was honoured by McGill Athletics & Recreation a few weeks later with a banner-unveiling ceremony to recognize his impressive achievement of winning the Super Bowl after a brilliant academic and athletic career at McGill.

Duvernay-Tardif was one of the key linemen assigned to protect Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes -- who was awarded Game MVP honours as the Chiefs rallied from a late 10-point deficit for a 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL championship game at Miami on Feb. 2.

"I (don't) think it surprised anyone but at the same time, we respect his decision," Mahomes told the media on Saturday. "He's a guy that's been on the front lines working with the people that are suffering from COVID day-to-day, and putting in all that time and all that work. He understands it and his decision is that he wanted to stay there."

The NFL and its players association agreed earlier Friday to an opt-out clause for the upcoming season. Those who choose to voluntarily will reportedly receive a $150,000 (US) stipend rather than their contractual salary while those with medical opt outs will receive $350,000. The deadline to opt out is Aug. 3.

"I'm a huge (LDT) fan... and I also was raised by a doctor," said Kansas City head coach Andy Reid, whose mother graduated from McGill's medical school. "So I understand the dedication it takes to be a doctor. We're all blessed to have doctors in our lives."

LDT was a sixth-round draft pick of the Chiefs in 2014 and although he didn't play that season, he did dress for every game during his NFL rookie campaign. He became a starter midway through the 2015 season.

During his four years with the McGill football program, he was a two-time all-Canadian who won the prestigious J.P. Metras Trophy as the most outstanding lineman in the country. He also was on the Principal's Student-athlete Honour Roll and received a national Top 10 Academic All-Canadian award from then Governor-General David Johnston.

SEE LDT's FULL STATEMENT ON HIS TWITTER FEED or THE FRENCH VERSION ON HIS FACEBOOK ACCOUNT