"I'm a living testament of a guy with PTSD who's been on the ledge, and I haven't let that stop me not only helping others, but getting to that point where I can help myself."
As we kick off Men's Mental Health month, we bring you a special conversation with 2x Super Bowl Champion and Chiefs star running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire as he opens up and shares his traumatic but powerful story of tragedy and healing. This past summer, Clyde courageously shared his journey of PTSD, stemming from an unfortunate event in 2018 when he was forced to act in self-defense to protect himself and his best friend. That incident happened while he was playing for the LSU National Championship team, which Clyde describes as the best time of his life on the field and the worst year of his life away from the game.
On today's episode of the Pivot in partnership with Fanatics, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit down with Clyde to unpack the impact of that day and everything he’s been dealing with since—from the mental and physical toll of PTSD to how he’s coping and finding his way forward with help from the Kansas City Chiefs, specifically Coach Andy Reid and best friend teammate, Travis Kelce.
Clyde speaks candidly about the intense aftermath, describing a rollercoaster of emotions, hospitalizations, and a period when he only felt safe and like himself wearing his helmet on the field. That struggle to maintain normalcy away from football and the pressures he’s faced since that day have been challenging. He describes wrestling with guilt, constant turmoil and internal battles that trauma brings. Cleared of all legal charges, the split-second choice of being shot or pulling the trigger in defense is something that haunts him to this day: "It was either save my friend and myself or an outcome we may not be here to talk about today."
Struggling with the aftermath of that choice, understanding he did what he had to do, the star running back has tried to continue to move forward but Clyde confesses that when he started to question his purpose and became physically ill day after day. Despite being the first round pick and core part of the Chiefs Super Bowl winning teams of late, his mental health battle was no longer something he could hide which caused him to face the pain head on and seek the help he needed, even if that meant putting the game he loves aside.
One of the things that’s helped Clyde hold on is the support he’s received from people who truly care- like Coach Andy Reid and Travis Kelce. Reid has been a rock for him—giving him some of the biggest, most reassuring hugs and urging him to take the time he needs to get the help he needs now to set him up for a better future. Kelce, too, has been like a big brother, always by his side and lifting him up during his toughest moments. Their friendship, built over five years with the Chiefs, has become a vital part of Clyde’s journey. Having that kind of support has not only helped him heal but has also shown him how valuable it is to feel seen and supported through difficult times.
In talking to Ryan, Fred, and Channing, Clyde reflects on his path forward, recognizing that this experience is part of his story—one he hopes can help others facing similar struggles. He’s learning to find peace within himself, accepting that while the trauma will always be a part of him, it doesn’t have to define him. Clyde is committed to raising awareness about PTSD and mental health, hoping that by sharing his truth, he can offer encouragement to others who feel alone in their battles. His story reminds us that even our heroes—athletes we watch and cheer for—are human, with their own complex lives and personal journeys to healing. Tap in for more from this inspiring episode only on the Pivot Podcast, and be sure to hit that subscribe button!
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