Travis Kelce is entering his 12th year in the NFL and has already solidified his spot in the Hall of Fame. He is one of the best tight ends to ever play in the NFL, and in addition to his on-field success, he is also a very good teammate.
In a recent appearance on “The Pivot Podcast,” Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire spoke highly of Kelce and the way the star tight end has played in his life to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Highlights Travis Kelce’s Role in His Life
The Chiefs drafted Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on the back of his successful tenure at LSU alongside the likes of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson.
While he was at LSU, the running back was involved in a shooting in which one person lost his life. As per reports, Edwards-Helaire and one of his friends, Jared Small, went to north Baton Rouge, La., to sell a PlayStation. After the two arrived there, an 18-year-old man named Kobe Johnson pulled a gun on the side of Small’s head.
The Chiefs running back carried a concealed firearm himself, and he pulled the trigger to save his friend, which ultimately resulted in Johnson’s death. Since that moment, Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with PTSD, which has resulted in loss of sleep as well as being hospitalized multiple times.
Although it was for self-defense, Edwards-Helaire, to this day, feels bad for how the situation played out. During his conversation on “The Pivot Podcast,” the LSU product discussed how Kelce has constantly helped him in his life in dealing with PTSD.
“Travis is real, real heartfelt … probably not the most religious person, but he’s going to speak whatever he feels at the time,” the Chiefs RB said. “The amount of time that I was spending with Travis was unreal. I really look at him as a big brother, and I needed somebody to lean on.
“My first year in the league was the COVID[-19] year, which literally kept us isolated from each other. But the only person that’ll do those things and reach out and make sure I’m good, text me on random days, was Travis. Like, ‘Bro, you good?’ He was the only one … You know, he called me ‘GBC’: Good Brother Clyde.”
Edwards-Helaire also mentioned former Chiefs wideout Kadarius Toney as another person who has helped him in his life. Kelce acknowledged his teammate on X and referred to him as “one of the strongest men I know!”
The 25-year-old running back has not played yet this season. He was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list to start the season as he was still recovering from PTSD. The Chiefs activated him to the 53-man roster last month, and he is currently their RB4 on their depth chart behind Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Carson Steele.
Fans Praise Kelce for Helping the Chiefs RB
Fans on social media showed love for Kelce after hearing Edwards-Helaire’s praise for the Chiefs tight end.
You are such a good human Travis. You deserve all the best.
— Nina st (@NinaStefe69409) November 8, 2024
“Thank you, Travis. We are all rooting for him!” wrote one fan.
Another fan added, “It is so brave of Clyde to share his story and journey. And Travis, you are a great friend and teammate.”
the focus on mental health and how fighting a condition like ptsd is a brave and taxing act is so important to me especially by ultra masculine men. it shines light on something that so many struggle with silently. thank you to CEH for speaking out & TK for supporting. https://t.co/iFE5usuLbC
— k@ (@LifeintoPoetry) November 8, 2024
“I love Clyde. He is so inspiring, and it makes me love u even more Travis for supporting him,” said another fan.
“Travis, you are just a gentleman,” said a fan.
Love this so much!!! Thank you Travis and Clyde for sharing this story! 🙏🏻 https://t.co/RchKcN1chB
— 🍁 DeeDee 🍁 (@MargaritaMadam2) November 8, 2024
The culture built by head coach Andy Reid brings out the best in players, and they never fail to take care of their players. Relationships like Kelce’s with Edwards-Helaire prove why the Chiefs have been the most successful team in the NFL this decade. They have won the last two Super Bowls and have started this season 8-0.
Kansas City will play the Denver Broncos in Week 10, and they are a 7.5-point favorites.