Travis Kelce Says Clyde Edwards-Helaire Is 'One of the Strongest Men I Know' After Chiefs Player Spoke About Struggles with PTSD

Travis Kelce has endless support for his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

In the episode of November 8 Pivot PodcastEdwards-Helaire, 25, sat down with hosts Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder to discuss the PTSD he experienced after being involved in a shooting in 2018. The running back shared that the incident has affected his personal life, physical health and career.

Kelce, 35, shared the episode on his X account on the same day, writing: “GBC!! My good brother for life! Y’all gotta get in on this. One of the strongest men I know!”

Travis Kelce and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in November 2024.

David Eulitt/Getty

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Edwards-Helaire told the hosts that the shooting happened on December 22, 2018, when he was still playing college football for Louisiana State University. He recalled that he and a friend were in North Baton Rouge trying to sell a Playstation console in what was supposed to be a routine trade-in.

The athlete said that he had a “bad feeling” when he woke up that morning, but went to work with his friend anyway.

“The next thing I see is a gun pointed at Jared’s head,” he said. “My only reaction was, you know, I’m either going to watch my best friend lose his life or I’m going to do something about it.”

Edwards-Helaire, who was also carrying a firearm, sprung into action. According to an Associated Press report, Edwards-Helaire and his friend were considered by authorities to be justified in the shooting — which resulted in death — because they were acting in self-defense.

“I hope no one ever has to go through what I went through,” he added in the podcast.

From left: Travis Kelce, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon in 2023.

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Edwards-Helaire also described how the incident affected him physically. He said he only slept about three hours each night for several years after the experience and was “constantly throwing up.” He also shared that he has been hospitalized several times for PTSD.

“The only time I would feel alone was when I was wearing a helmet,” he added.

When the hosts asked Edwards-Helaire if the NFL’s “superstars” knew what he “dealt with,” he said he’s gotten incredible support from Kelce.

“The amount of time I spent with Travis was unreal,” he continued. “I really look up to him as a big brother and I needed someone to lean on.”

He said Kelce would check in and check in on him during his first year in the league. Their conversations were “more honest than anything”, he noted, adding: “He called me called GBC – Good Brother Clyde.”

Edwards-Helaire also gave special mention to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, explaining that he urged him to take care of himself and take the time he needs for his healing journey.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (left) and Travis Kelce in 2022.

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“I’m a lot better than I’ve been in the last four years,” Edwards-Helaire said in part two of the podcast. “Mentally, physically, everything is on the rise. I’d say I’m probably the healthiest I’ve been since I came into the league.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the text crisis line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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Source: HIS Education