Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares why he missed recent practices

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been held out of two straight Chiefs practices because of an illness, the Chiefs reported Monday.

Edwards-Helaire said on his X social-media account that he is dealing with Post-Tramatric Stress Disorder, or PTSD.

“Living With PTSD is no small feat, its hard and very overwhelming,” Edwards-Helaire wrote. “Within the last month I’ve Had many flare ups and the Amazing staff here at the #Chiefs have been helping me get through some tough times. I’ll be back rolling next Practice! All Love , Glydro.”

PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — experienced or witnessed. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Edwards-Helaire hasn’t specified the origin of his PTSD, but he previously mentioned his condition on social media.

In February, in the aftermath of the post-Super Bowl parade shooting in Kansas City, a family reached out to thank Edwards-Helaire for shielding their son as shots rang out.

The family publicly thanked Edwards-Helaire, and he included his story as part of his response at the time.

“Being a person who suffers from PTSD...Always think positive and when those bad day come (because they will, comfort and knowing someone is with you is the best (Medication),” Edwards-Helaire wrote.

In training camp, Edwards-Helaire has been sharing time at running back with Deneric Prince behind starter Isiah Pacheco. Also in the mix at the position is former rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit.

This story was originally published July 29, 2024 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares why he missed recent practices."

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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