The 25-year-old still has the potential to revive his NFL career, given he can manage his PTSD from his 2018 shooting incident.
Highlights
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire was involved in a self-defense shooting in 2018, which led to the death of 18-year-old Kobe Johnson. This event had a major impact on his mental health, leading to the development of PTSD.
- Throughout his struggles with PTSD, Edwards-Helaire received significant support from the Kansas City Chiefs organization, including teammates and coaches who encouraged him to prioritize his mental health.
- Despite his promising start in the NFL, Edwards-Helaire’s performance declined due to injuries and mental health struggles. This ultimately led to his release from the Chiefs in December 2024.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, has faced significant challenges on and off the field, most recently his release from the team.
His journey from a promising NFL career to battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and his eventual release from the Chiefs has been a heartbreaking story of unfulfilled potential.
Chiefs have released former first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire pic.twitter.com/aTu4DwSSGg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2024
Clyde Shot The Would-be Robber To Save His Best Friend And Himself
In December 2018, while still at LSU, Edwards-Helaire was involved in a traumatic incident in Baton Rouge.
He and his teammate and best friend, Jared Smalls, were trying to sell a PlayStation to a man they contacted online.
However, upon meeting, the 18-year-old named Kobe Johnson produced a firearm and aimed it at Jared’s head.
In defense, Edwards-Helaire discharged his own concealed firearm, resulting in Johnson’s death.
“My only reaction was, either I’m about to watch my best friend lose his life, or do something about it.” Clyde Edwards-Helaire
— Pivot Podcast (@thepivot) November 8, 2024
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
In an interview, Clyde said,
My only reaction was, either I’m about to watch my best friend lose his life or do something about it. It was Jared or [Johnson]. honestly hate how it went, especially just learning more things about the individual — I wanted the best for everyone, [and] I wish it would of never went that way.
www.foxnews.com
He added,
The very first thing was, I don’t want my best friend dying. Second is, if that happens to him, what’s stopping the gun [from] coming towards me after the fact? And it being two of us gone for no reason.
www.foxnews.com
This event had a profound impact on his mental health and led to Clyde developing PTSD.
He has spoken openly about his struggles, detailing symptoms such as severe vomiting, sleep disturbances, and multiple hospitalizations.
Edwards-Helaire noted that football became his primary coping mechanism during this challenging period.
The Chiefs Supported Clyde Through His Mental Struggles
Throughout his ordeal, Edwards-Helaire received support from the Chiefs organization.
Teammate Travis Kelce publicly expressed his admiration, referring to Edwards-Helaire as “one of the strongest men I know.”
Travis Kelce & Clyde Edwards Helaire (+📷 day 6 training camp) #chiefskingdom pic.twitter.com/XW8VEeKK3t
— 87KillaTrav (@87KillaT) August 1, 2024
Head coach Andy Reid also encouraged him to prioritize his mental health.
Clyde Remains Hopeful About His NFL Future
Despite the support, Edwards-Helaire’s ongoing struggles with PTSD and his diminished role in the team’s offense led to his release from the Kansas City Chiefs on December 17, 2024.
In a statement, he expressed gratitude toward the Kansas City community and indicated his desire to continue his NFL career, stating,
Love ya KC! A family I didn’t know I needed, y’all made a Kid from Baton Rouge dreams come true.
The Sun
To Chiefs Kingdom , its all love and the support I had in troubling times will forever be unmatched from you guys! With love!
He Had A Outstanding High School And College Career
Born on April 11, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Edwards-Helaire attended Catholic High School, where he became the first freshman to play varsity football under coach Dale Weiner.
At LSU, Edwards-Helaire played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ 2019 national championship season, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with 1,414 rushing yards and earning first-team All-SEC honors.
This post-win moment between LSU's Clyde Edwards-Helaire and his father ❤️
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 10, 2019
“They said you wasn’t no running back. YOU SHOWED ’EM.”
(via @CodyWorsham) pic.twitter.com/obIJiBFhQZ
His collegiate success led to his selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Clyde’s Tenure At Kansas Showed Promise But Faltered Over Time
Edwards-Helaire made an immediate impact in his rookie season, leading the Chiefs in rushing yards with 803 and contributing to their Super Bowl LV appearance.
However, subsequent seasons saw a decline in his performance, with injuries and increased competition within the team affecting his playing time.
This Patrick Mahomes throw to Clyde Edwards-Helaire will go down as his one of his best ever. To this day I still have no clue how he pulled this off! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/rueg0LYxDl
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) December 16, 2024
By the 2023 season, his rushing average had dropped to 3.2 yards per carry, and he did not see any playing time in 2024, falling behind other running backs on the depth chart.
Clyde Still Has Potential To Revive His Career
At 25 years old, Edwards-Helaire remains a free agent with the potential to revive his NFL career, provided he can manage his PTSD effectively.
As he navigates this uncertain period, Edwards-Helaire’s experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health and how it affects even the toughest of tough.
Additional Information
- Clyde’s unique last name, Edwards-Helaire, honors his biological father, Clyde Edwards Sr., and his stepfather, Shannon Helaire.
- In addition to football, Clyde was a standout track and field athlete in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and the long jump.
- At LSU, Clyde majored in sports administration.
- Outside of football, Clyde enjoys fishing and hunting. He was recently seen hunting with former teammates Carson Wentz, Samaje Perine, and James Winchester.
