Kansas City Chiefs’ Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has become the first National Football League player to pull out of the upcoming season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The offensive lineman is a doctor and has spent the past few months treating patients at a clinic in Canada.

He wrote on Twitter: "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."

An opt-out deal has been agreed between the NFL and the players’ association which means Duvernay-Tardif will earn $150,000 for the season. It is understood this is significantly less than his usual salary.

The 29 year-old continued: "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.

"That is why I have decided to take the opt-out option. Being at 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."

Training camps for NFL teams start on July 28 with the season aiming to begin on September 10.