Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire recently opened up about his battle with PTSD,

detailing the physical and emotional struggles he faces and the support he receives from his teammates, coaches, and training staff.

In particular, Edwards-Helaire credits teammates Travis Kelce and Kadarius Toney for their unwavering support.

In a media availability session on Thursday, August 1, Edwards-Helaire spoke candidly about a traumatic 2018 shooting incident involving him and his best friend, which has significantly impacted his mental health. Reflecting on the challenges he faces, Edwards-Helaire emphasized that playing football is about much more than just physical performance. “It’s really just mentally just not being there,” he shared, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in sports.

Edwards-Helaire praised Kelce and Toney for their attentiveness and empathy. “Trav [Travis Kelce], Kadarius [Toney] at times, they can even — they’ll know ahead of time like, ‘Okay, Clyde might not — he’s not laughing, he’s not giggling, he’s not himself,’” he said. This level of awareness and care has been crucial in helping him navigate his PTSD.

On July 29, Edwards-Helaire posted on X about living with PTSD, which sparked questions during his media availability. “Living with PTSD is no small feat, it’s hard and very overwhelming,” he wrote. He expressed gratitude for the Chiefs’ staff, who have been instrumental in helping him manage his condition. “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.”

The 25-year-old also elaborated on the 2018 incident where he and his best friend were forced to defend themselves against an armed robber, leading to the assailant’s death. “I would say that’s probably where a majority of things stem from,” he said. Additionally, he has lost several friends to gun violence, adding to his emotional burden.

Edwards-Helaire revealed that he also suffers from cyclic vomiting syndrome, a condition that has caused severe dehydration and hospitalizations. “Sometimes I’m admitted into the hospital, something like I can’t stop throwing up,” he shared.

Despite these challenges, the support from his teammates, training staff, and coaches has been invaluable. Speaking out about his struggles has also been therapeutic. “It takes courage to talk about it and having PTSD and dealing with it once people kind of bring it up,” he noted. “Everyone needs help at some point.”

Edwards-Helaire’s openness about his mental health is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental well-being, even for professional athletes. His journey underscores the significance of having a supportive environment and the courage to seek help. As he continues to navigate his struggles, Edwards-Helaire hopes to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed.