Clyde Edwards-Helaire reveals Chiefs never informed HC Andy Reid about his PTSD struggles that kept RB from playing
Andy Reid has had Clyde Edwards-Helaire on his team for quite a while. When the running back was drafted, most fans viewed him as a potential successor to Kareem Hunt. However, while his career hasn't quite taken that path, he has grown into becoming a well-known name on the squad. However, apparently not well known enough by his head coach.
Speaking on Friday's episode of "The Pivot," the Chiefs running back recounted what it was like to inform Andy Reid why he had missed time. Edwards-Helaire had been dealing with PTSD.
(18:10) "Coach Reid just kind of sat back in his chair and was like, 'What story are we talking about?' He didn't know at all," he said. "I literally looked at him in his eye the whole time, not even looking at anybody else in that room.
"I remember [after] telling him that, and he gave me one of the biggest hugs that I've had in a while. ... He knew kind of what went on, but I don't think the details were kind of getting told to him, just because everybody thinks it's coach Reid. He has enough on his plate. Clyde being sick is [just his] stomach hurting."
The running back has faced anxiety flareups and vomiting uncontrollably due to his PTSD, which led to him missing games. With the running back now fourth on the team's depth chart, one may point to his absences as one of potentially multiple reasons as the catalyst for his slide down the chart.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire names one teammate who was well aware of his PTSD
The running back has been dealing with the disorder since before he joined the NFL. However, one of his teammates was much better aware of the situation than Andy Reid. It wasn't Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill or any of the linemen or running backs. It was Travis Kelce.
The running back said in the same conversation on "The Pivot" that the tight end kept in contact even during the COVID-19 pandemic, sending texts to check in.
"My first year in the league was COVID year, which literally kept us isolated from each other," he said. "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."
Per ESPN and the Associated Press, the running back hasn't gone into detail about what specifically caused his PTSD.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "The Pivot" and H/T Sportskeeda.