In a surprising turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football illness list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. While the move initially sparked curiosity, the reason behind it has unveiled a deeper issue-Edwards-Helaire is grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that has taken a significant toll on his health and career.
The Chiefs recently bolstered their running back depth by signing Samaje Perine, seemingly in response to the uncertainty surrounding Edwards-Helaire’s availability. This decision might have raised eyebrows, but it wasn’t until the details of Edwards-Helaire’s struggle came to light that the full picture began to emerge.
Drafted in the first round by Kansas City in 2020, Edwards-Helaire was once seen as a key offensive weapon. However, his journey took an unexpected turn earlier this year when he publicly acknowledged his battle with PTSD. The condition, which has caused severe physical and mental challenges, was something Edwards-Helaire could no longer keep hidden.
In a candid revelation, Edwards-Helaire described the debilitating effects of his condition, including hospital admissions due to severe dehydration. “Sometimes I’m admitted into the hospital, something I can’t stop throwing up and it’s just, I [don’t] know [anything] pretty much to stop it,” he shared. His words painted a picture of a young athlete struggling to maintain his career while battling an invisible enemy.
The running back also took to social media to express the overwhelming nature of living with PTSD, hinting at the challenges he faced in recent weeks. His post, shared with fans and followers, spoke of “many flare-ups” and the vital support he received from the Chiefs‘ staff during these tough times.
Where did Edwards-Helaire’s condition stem from?
Travis Kelce reveals the moment he knew Patrick Mahomes was special
The root of Edwards-Helaire’s PTSD dates back to a tragic incident on December 22, 2018. Though details were scarce, it was later revealed that Edwards-Helaire was involved in a fatal encounter while he was still a college player at LSU. During an attempted robbery, two LSU players, including Edwards-Helaire, shot and killed an 18-year-old in self-defense, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. The emotional aftermath of this incident has clearly left lasting scars on Edwards-Helaire.
In recent seasons, Edwards-Helaire’s role on the team has shifted, with Isiah Pacheco taking the lead as the starting running back. Last year, Edwards-Helaire’s contributions were modest compared to his rookie season, where he rushed for a career-high 803 yards. The decline in his performance may now be seen in a new light, as the challenges he faced off the field undoubtedly played a role.
As the Chiefs move forward with their season, the decision to place Edwards-Helaire on the non-football illness list serves as a stark reminder of the unseen battles many athletes face. While fans eagerly await his return, the full extent of Edwards-Helaire’s journey to recovery remains uncertain, raising important conversations about mental health in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
