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The Kansas City Chiefs’ top rookies, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and LB Willie Gay Jr., will make their NFL debut on Thursday against the Houston Texans.
Players typically would have some idea of what to expect after playing in preseason games, but in this COVID-19-altered preseason, they’re not entirely sure what to expect. For Edwards-Helaire he hasn’t even closed his eyes and imagined what it might be like. He does know one thing for certain, however. Edwards-Helaire expects to be a little nervous when he takes the field for his first snap.
“As far as visualizing, ultimately my first snap, I’m going to be nervous,” Edwards-Helaire told reporters on Tuesday. “That’s just what it is. That goes to show that I’m a human and this is my first NFL game. I really don’t know what to expect. Twenty-two percent of the fans are going to be there, so it’s not going to be a full stadium. Everything is kind of up in the air for everybody. Ultimately, my job is to put my helmet on and whenever they call a play, do my job.”
Many believe that Edwards-Helaire’s experience at LSU last season will prepare him for the bright lights of NFL football, but the rookie running back isn’t making comparisons. He knows that this is the highest you can possibly go playing professional football and that he needs to approach it with a different mindset. At the same time, he’s going to cherish the moment.
“It’s literally going to mean the world,” Edwards-Helaire said of playing on Thursday. “Everyone who has had their hand in the Clyde pot, which has not been a lot growing up. Just being from Baton Rouge and understanding the circumstance of coming out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For me, it’s going to be important, but (also) for the people that are around me that have supported me the most and ultimately, got me through the hardships of growing up where I grew up at. Ultimately, I’m doing it for them. Personally, you can say you’re doing it for yourself but ultimately, it’s the connections and everything that you make coming up in this profession. I just want to make those people happy.”
Edwards-Helaire doesn’t just want to prove that he has what it takes to play in the NFL, but he wants to prove to those who supported him along the way that they were right about him.
As for Gay Jr., he’s anticipated this moment for a long time. While he couldn’t single out something that makes him feel ready for this moment, he feels like his training and preparation will do the talking.
“Really it’s just like an everyday grind for me, man,” Gay Jr. said. “I can’t really point just a single thing out, but I’m just ready. I don’t really know what to say, been preparing since I landed in Kansas City and it’s almost time now.”
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub recently said that the second-rounder will have a big role on special teams. While many hope to see him debut on the defensive side of the ball, Gay Jr. is happy to be on the field during any phase of the game.
“You know, just to be on the field is a big blessing for me,” Gay Jr. said. “So defense, offense, special teams man, they’re all important. So, to be able to say I’m going to be a big player, big-time player on special teams, it’s great and I’m excited for that.”
For Gay Jr., he recalled his experience playing in a game at Mississippi State. He anticipates it’ll be a similar experience, recognizing his dream of playing in the NFL, once he steps onto the field at Arrowhead Stadium to face the Texans.
“I still remember my first interview after that game, so it’s crazy you asked,” Gay Jr. said. “I just remember my first play on defense, just seeing the student section and just dreaming of that moment before and now I’m living it. Kind of like it’s going to be this Thursday, so this is special, for sure.”
Both Edwards-Helaire and Gay Jr. will probably have some butterflies as they prepare to take the field for the first time. That’s to be expected, but after the clock begins to wind down, they’ll realize that this is the moment they’ve been working for their whole lives. That can be a powerful motivator and make for an exciting NFL debut, even in these uncertain times.
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