Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Kansas City Chiefs' running back, discusses his 2018 shooting and how it has affected him with PTSD.

This year, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was put on the non-football illness list, which caused him to miss the first four games of the regular season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

In July and August, the former LSU standout did not participate in training camp due to his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, which he revealed in late July after a self-defense situation in 2018.

In a recent podcast episode, the 25-year-old shared more details about his struggles with the disorder.

On December 22, 2018, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and his best friend Jared Small traveled to North Baton Rouge to sell a PlayStation.

"Clyde believed that everything had been handled on an app, estimating the conversation and exchange to take only five to ten seconds. However, unaware to both Clyde and Jared, 18-year-old Kobe Johnson had a gun. He aimed it at Jared Small's head and Clyde took action. He fired his concealed firearm, killing Kobe Johnson."

During an interview released on November 8, Edwards-Helaire stated that his only reaction upon witnessing his friend's impending death was to decide whether he would watch it happen or take action. He attributed his habit of carrying a firearm to his parents' backgrounds - his stepfather was a police officer and served in the U.S. Marines, while his mother served in the military.

"Jared or Johnson was the one, according to Edwards-Helaire," he repeated. "I sincerely regret how it unfolded, especially after learning more about the individual. I wanted the best for everyone, and I wish it had never happened."

Edwards-Helaire shared with Clark his thought process prior to pulling the trigger.

""My top priority is to prevent my best friend from dying, and if he does, I worry about the gun coming towards me and both of us being gone for no reason," the Chiefs running back stated."

Six years have passed since the shooting, but the emotions experienced by Edwards-Helaire have not completely subsided.

Even now, he continues to struggle with the events that led to the life-altering incident.

"He stated that he couldn't fathom being held at gunpoint and not only that, but also the thought of how terrible he would feel if he didn't follow his initial intuition."

"Despite the potential for a successful career in grass, you won't get to wear a helmet in your daily life, as Clark pointed out in the podcast," the message resonated throughout the entire interview.

"Since the tragedy occurred four years ago, Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with both the mental and physical aspects of it."

The Chiefs RB disclosed that he has been hospitalized due to PTSD symptoms multiple times and that he typically slept for only three hours per night for an extended period.

CEH stated that he felt most like himself when he was putting on his helmet. He also clarified that Andy Reid and the KC medical staff have been aware of his condition for years and have worked with him extensively.

The shooting and its aftermath led to these emotions.

Edwards-Helaire recounted his experience of being handcuffed and held as a "full-blown criminal" at a nearby police station while speaking with Clark and company. He remembered feeling isolated in the room with no clock and not knowing the time. The most unsettling part for him was the window in the room, which was a mirror.

Eventually, the investigation determined that Edwards-Helaire was innocent of any wrongdoing.

Edwards-Helaire’s relationship with Travis Kelce

The interview covers a wide range of topics, including Edwards-Helaire's relationship with Reid and his teammates, the emotions triggered by the parade shooting, and the reasons behind his decision to share his story at this time.

space

Edwards-Helaire remarked, "I believe I'm making a difference by discussing my experiences and demonstrating that it's possible to overcome challenges."

While his 2019 campaign at LSU was likely the pinnacle of his football career, he admitted that it was also "probably the worst" year of his personal life.

""Since joining the league, I've been the healthiest I've ever been, both mentally and physically," Edwards-Helaire stated at the beginning of the interview."

Recently, he found peace within himself, which he considers the "biggest thing."

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.