Travis Kelce Supports Clyde Edwards-Helaire Through PTSD Struggles After 2018 Baton Rouge Shooting Incident

Travis Kelce, a standout player for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been a significant source of support for his teammate Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Edwards-Helaire, who has been open about his battle with PTSD, has credited Kelce with playing a crucial role in helping him cope.

This support comes years after a traumatic incident that occurred when Edwards-Helaire was just 18.

Back in December 2018, Edwards-Helaire and his then-teammate Jared Small were involved in a distressing situation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They were trying to sell an electronic item when a teenager named Kobe Johnson was fatally shot.

The police have not disclosed who fired the shot, but the incident has left lasting scars on Edwards-Helaire, who has struggled with PTSD and has recently missed practice due to his condition.

In a recent discussion, Edwards-Helaire expressed how Kelce and teammate Kadarius Toney have been attentive to his well-being during the Chiefs’ practice camp for the upcoming NFL season.

“It’s really just mentally not being there,” he explained. “Trav and Kadarius can often sense when I’m not myself.

They notice when I’m not laughing or engaging as usual and they’ve been great about checking in on me.”

He further noted that Kelce and Toney’s approach has been more than just keeping the team’s spirits high. They focus on his personal well-being, ensuring that he feels supported beyond his role on the field.

The Impact of Past Trauma

Edwards-Helaire reflects on the incident from December 22, 2018, as a significant source of his ongoing struggles.

While he acknowledges that this event is a major factor in his PTSD, he also points out that it’s not the sole reason for his challenges.

“I’ve lost close friends to gun violence and been in situations where I felt like I could have been in danger,” he shared. “In the beginning, I tried to ignore it, thinking I’d just get over it eventually. But I’ve learned that dealing with these issues isn’t something you just get past.”

Facing and Addressing PTSD

The 25-year-old athlete has come to understand that everyone, regardless of age or situation, needs help at times. “It takes courage to talk about it,” he admitted.

“It’s not something I’m always comfortable discussing, and I never really know how my body or mind will react. It’s a personal battle.”

Edwards-Helaire emphasized the importance of talking about his experiences, even though it’s challenging. He’s focused on maintaining his mental health and has been candid about the physical toll PTSD can take, including severe dehydration and rapid weight loss.

Public Acknowledgment and Team Support

Earlier this week, Edwards-Helaire took to Twitter to share his experiences with PTSD. “Living with PTSD is incredibly tough and overwhelming,” he wrote.

“The Chiefs’ amazing staff have been helping me through some rough patches, and I’m looking forward to getting back to practice.”

As the Chiefs prepare for their NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5, Edwards-Helaire is optimistic about the future. The team is gearing up for an exciting season with hopes of securing a third consecutive Super Bowl victory.