Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire recently gave fans an unfiltered glimpse into the traumatic experience that has haunted him for years. Speaking on The Pivot Podcast, the 25-year-old opened up about a life-threatening incident during his LSU days in 2018 that left him grappling with PTSD.
Clyde recalled a moment when he and his best friend, Jared Small, went to sell a PlayStation in North Baton Rouge. The sale quickly turned dangerous when the buyer, an 18-year-old, pulled a firearm on Small. Faced with an impossible choice, Edwards-Helaire acted in self-defense, using his own weapon to protect his friend. “My only thought was: either I’m going to watch my best friend die, or I’m going to do something about it,” he shared.
The traumatic incident forced Clyde to relive the details repeatedly during the NFL draft process, with all 32 teams questioning him about it. Despite the pain, Clyde believes sharing his story is helping others. “I feel like I’m saving lives by showing you can wake up every day and move forward,” he said.
How Andy Reid and Travis Kelce helped Clyde heal
During his transition to the NFL, Clyde found solace in the Chiefs organization, particularly through head coach Andy Reid. When then-offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy didn’t inform Reid about Clyde’s condition, the coach’s unfiltered reaction stood out. “He didn’t know my story, and after I told him, he gave me one of the biggest hugs I’ve ever had,” Clyde recalled.
Support didn’t stop there. Travis Kelce, one of the team’s leaders, made a significant impact on Clyde’s rookie year during the isolating COVID-19 pandemic. “The only person who reached out randomly to check on me was Travis,” Clyde said. The tight end continues to be a source of encouragement, recently tweeting, “One of the strongest men I know!”
“My only reaction was, either I’m about to watch my best friend lose his life, or do something about it.” Clyde Edwards-Helaire
2x Super Bowl Champion Clyde Edwards-Helaire opens up on his PTSD from a 2019 shooting that’s kept the running back sidelined this NFL season as he… pic.twitter.com/5bwcN4qpns
? Pivot Podcast (@thepivot) November 8, 2024
Moving forward on and off the field
Now, six years after the life-altering event, Clyde says he is the healthiest he’s been, both mentally and physically. As the Chiefs Kingdom rallies behind their running back, his journey serves as a testament to resilience and the importance of seeking help.
Clyde’s courage in sharing his struggles is inspiring fans and proving that recovery is possible, even after unimaginable adversity.
