Tag: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy shares opinion on veteran running back: ‘He’s a leader’

Kansas City #Chiefs OC Matt Nagy shares opinion on Clyde Edwards-Helaire: ‘He’s a leader’ | @EdEastonJr

The final preseason test for the Kansas City Chiefs as they host the Chicago Bears and put the final touches on their roster before the start of the regular season.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will watch players closely as they head into Thursday’s preseason finale. He addressed the media on Tuesday after practice about the status of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has recently missed practice time.

“We’ll see where coach (Andy Reid) is at with that. I would say, for the most part, though, we know who Clyde is and what he’s done to these guys. He’s a guy that’s put a lot of good film out there. He’s had a lot of valuable snaps here in Kansas City, so you balance a little bit of that for him, his own personal ability to get some reps. But I think we know who he is. We know what his strengths are, and we know how to use them.”

Edwards-Helaire opened up recently about his battle with PTSD, affecting his availability at times during practice. Nagy acknowledged the seriousness of his situation while praising his leadership in the locker room.

“I think he’s a very positive kid. I’ve always enjoyed my time being around him. He’s knowledgeable, smart, and has a great attitude,” said Nagy. “He’s a leader, however many years it is that he’s in this league, he’s a veteran in that room, and guys listen to him. I think there’s a calmness to him. We all have our stuff off the field, personally, what you go through. Hopefully, he feels his coaches and teammates all have his back in this together, but as a football player with us in the building, he’s been really good.”

Edwards-Helaire re-signed with the Chiefs in the offseason and has been a steady contributor since being drafted in 2020.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire reveals ongoing battle with PTSD

Kansas City #Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire revealed his ongoing battle with PTSD during a press conference on Thursday. | @EdEastonJr

A recent post by Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on X revealed the former first-round pick’s ongoing issues with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.

During Thursday’s post-practice press conference, the veteran running back opened up about his condition and explained his recent absences from practices by describing a traumatic scenario he experienced in December of 2018 that still affects him today.

“My first couple of years, [I would] just try to block everything out, and it’s like, ‘Oh, at some point, I’m going to get over it’, and you start to realize that that just doesn’t happen,” said Edwards-Helaire. “You get older, and you realize, ‘Hey, no matter the age, no matter the person, no matter the situation, everyone needs help at some point.’

“It takes courage to talk about it, and having PTSD and dealing with it once people bring it up is not something that I’d always want to talk about. I never really know how my body will react or my mind, it is just something that I can’t pinpoint or know exactly what’s going to happen.”

Edwards-Helaire would go on to tell reporters about some of the symptoms of the disorder that were affecting him, which sometimes necessitated his hospitalization.

“Sometimes I’m admitted into the hospital, [for] something like I can’t stop throwing up,” Edwards-Helaire told the media.

The former LSU standout thanked the Chiefs’ medical, health, and wellness staff members for their support. He also named a few teammates who have helped him cope with his condition and shown understanding during his darkest moments.

“It is one of those things where early on guys who kind of pay attention like Travis [Kelce] and Kadarius [Toney], at times they can even [tell], they’ll know ahead of time like, ‘Ok, Clyde’s not laughing, he’s not giggling, he’s not himself.'”

With Kelce, Toney, and the rest of the Chiefs’ organization at his side, Edwards-Helaire is uniquely positioned to continue shedding light on the struggles of people with PTSD and other mental health issues.

Andy Reid, Mecole Hardman, and more to feature in ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’

Andy Reid, Mecole Hardman, and more to feature in ‘Holiday Touchdown: A #Chiefs Love Story’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs recently announced their collaboration with Hallmark, Skydance Sports, and the NFL on the film ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,’ which is part of their 15th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. A recent update has revealed that team members will feature in the production and details on its highly anticipated plot.

Hunter King plays Alana Higman, who’s sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Tyler Hynes stars as Derrick, Director of Fan Engagement, who evaluates how Alana and her family stack up against the other two finalists. It’s clear there’s a spark between the pair after spending time together, but when her grandfather’s (Ed Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs, good luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate and destiny and even questions her future with Derrick.

Movie production commenced in July. Filming occurred in and around Kansas City locations, highlighting the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This is the first time the Chiefs’ home stadium has been used as a filming location in a Hallmark movie.

“After we announced the movie, fan excitement reached a fever pitch,” said Samantha DiPippo, Senior Vice President of programming at Hallmark Media, in a statement. “With Coach Reid, Trey Smith, Mecole Hardman Jr., Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and George Karlaftis getting into the game with us, viewers will have even more to cheer about.”

The veteran actor in the movie group of Chiefs is Reid, who has recently become popular in commercials. Fans must wait until the holiday season to see how the defending champions help deliver the magic of love and football.

John Emery Jr.’s return brings back needed experience to LSU’s running back room

John Emery Jr. is back at LSU. That’s experience LSU needs in the running back room.

LSU landed a transfer running back last week, but he’s hardly a stranger to the program. [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] is back after exploring his options in the portal. For a moment, Emery looked destined for UCLA. But with LSU needing numbers and experience at running back, a return made sense for the Destrehan, Louisiana, native.

Emery, who will be coming off a torn ACL, is set for his sixth year of college football. He was a five-star and the top-ranked running back in the 2019 class, according to 247Sports and ESPN.

Emery made a strong early impression. There wasn’t much opportunity in 2019 with the talent LSU had at the skill positions, but when he got his chances, he made the most of them.

As a true freshman, Emery ranked fourth among SEC RBs with 35+ carries in PFF’s elusive rating. With [autotag]Clyde Edwards-Helaire[/autotag] off to the NFL, there was a hope Emery would be LSU’s next feature back.

Following his freshmen year, Emery underwent LASIK eye surgery, correcting vision in an eye that was considered legally blind. The news led to even more speculation of an Emery breakout.

As a sophomore, he sat in the top 10 in yards after contact per attempt. But it was a weird year. LSU lacked direction as a program during the pandemic years, and Emery was in and out of the lineup.

In 2021, LSU was still searching for a running back to claim the feature role. Emery was as good a candidate as any, but the NCAA declared him academically ineligible for the entire year.

By this point, Emery had also dealt with nagging lower-body injuries throughout his career. The suspension lingered into the first two games of 2022, but Emery finally made his return.

He struggled to find consistency, but Emery came up with big plays against Auburn and Alabama. Both wins LSU needed to capture the SEC West title. His impact was limited, but you could argue the Tigers wouldn’t have won the division without him.

Emery returned for a fifth year in 2023. He was still trying to get his grades straightened out and missed spring practice to do so. Emery got back to football and had a tough time cracking the lineup, getting just 23 carries in seven games last year. He looked good in the Auburn contest with a season-best 91 total yards and a touchdown.

Emery’s year came to a close when he tore his ACL against Florida.

That brings us to the present day. It’s unclear what contribution Emery can make to LSU in 2024. First, it’s a matter of health. The ACL tear was in November and Emery’s struggled with injuries before. It’s rare to see a player have a true breakout campaign this late in his career, but that’s not what LSU needs or expects from Emery.

Prior to Emery’s return, [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] was the lone experienced back on this roster. Emery has 249 career touches for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns. That’s more than any other LSU back in all three categories.

Also of note: Emery and Williams are the last two players from the 2019 national title team to remain with LSU.

Having two veteran backs like that will be useful to a group that’s looking for a young back to step up. There’s hope that will be [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag], who looked good in the limited time he got last year. Maybe it’s true freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag], who might be one of the fastest backs in the SEC.

If Emery can get back, be a leader in the room, and make a solid contribution here and there, this year will be a success. It’s been a long and winding road to get here.

Emery’s given a lot to LSU over the years and that’s the veteran presence needed in this room right now.

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UDFA rumors: Former TCU RB Emani Bailey to sign with Chiefs

UDFA rumors: Former TCU RB Emani Bailey is signing with the #Chiefs

The roster additions don’t end following the NFL draft, as every general manager around the league seeks more young talent from the undrafted players pool. Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach prides himself on making wise selections in the undrafted free-agent market after years of success.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero states that former TCU running back Emani Bailey will join Kansas City after being undrafted. Bailey is an improving runner who started his college career in Louisiana from 2020 to 2021 before entering the transfer portal to TCU. He served primarily as the third running back in his first year with the Horned Frogs until becoming the starter last season.

In 2023, Bailey played 12 games, accumulating 223 carries for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns. He was effective per rush, averaging 5.4 yards while catching 25 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. At 5-foot-7 and 202 pounds, he isn’t afraid to get physical in the trenches and is a solid option in the passing game.

The Chiefs already have Clyde Edwards-Helaire behind starter Isiah Pacheco in the depth chart, with Deneric Prince potentially becoming a factor.

For more Chiefs UDFA signings, follow our tracker.

UDFA rumors: Former UCLA RB Carson Steele to sign with Chiefs

UDFA rumors: Former UCLA running back Carson Steele is signing with the Kansas City #Chiefs

The impact of pre-draft visits goes a long way for players before the stressful weekend. The Kansas City Chiefs held their meetings like many of the other 31 teams around the league, and although some of the players’ names weren’t called at the podium, they still found a home with a team.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Former UCLA running back Carson Steele will sign with Kansas City after going undrafted. Steele was one of the many players who visited Kansas City ahead of the NFL Draft, getting an early indication that there was mutual interest. The Indianapolis native led the MAC in rushing yards in his second season at Ball State before transferring to UCLA.

In 2023, Steele rushed for 847 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Bruins. He is projected to be a hybrid fullback and could be a part of the offense missing from Andy Reid’s system since Michael Burton’s departure.

The Chiefs didn’t draft a running back, so they have Clyde Edwards-Helaire slated as the third-down option and backup to Isiah Pacheco on the depth chart. As a versatile fullback, Steele could earn him a spot on the team, especially if his blocking is up to the task.

For more Chiefs UDFA signings, follow our tracker.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire on staying with Chiefs: ‘K.C. literally is home’

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire told reporters that he stayed with the #Chiefs because he has built a life for himself in Kansas City.

The importance of a hometown for an NFL franchise can’t be underestimated, especially with players constantly moving in trades and free agency. The Kansas City Chiefs have created an inviting culture for players since the start of the Andy Reid head coaching tenure, and it proved its value this offseason.

Edwards-Helaire opened up about some of the determining factors that kept him in Kansas City, and they didn’t have much to do with football. He spoke to reporters on Monday during his Zoom press conference.

“K.C. literally is home,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “I left Baton Rogue, Lousiana, where I was born and raised. Drafted to the middle of the country where everyone was telling me it was the best place on earth. The only thing I could do was embrace it.

“I was doing the thing I love, playing football, and I grew the most in these last five years. I got engaged and actually figured out what life is: buying homes, helping my mom with things, helping my parents. It’s just somewhere that I felt like I became a man.”

Since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2020, the former LSU National Champion has played multiple roles for the team in contributing to two Super Bowl titles. He has dealt with criticism and overcome it in front of Chiefs Kingdom with appreciation and humility.

“I was 20 years old, leaving college not really knowing what was going on,” Edwards-Helaire said. “Prior to that, I was still just a Baton Rouge, Louisiana kid at LSU just doing the thing I want to do was play football. Then, before you know it, snap of a finger, I was moving, 12 hours away from home, so this is literally my next spot, and it’s home. I want to continue to do still the things that I love.“

The Kansas City lifestyle has become an influence for players, and Edwards-Helaire seems to be enjoying his time in Western Missouri on and off the field.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire reflects on Chiefs declining his fifth-year option

Clyde Edwards-Helaire reflected on the #Chiefs’ decision to decline his fifth-year option during a press conference held this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy throughout the offseason, adding to and maintaining their Super Bowl roster. One of the players returning in 2024 is running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who officially signed his new deal on Monday.

He addressed the media via Zoom after finalizing his contract at the Chiefs’ facility and discussed the mindset he had in free agency after Brett Veach declined to pick up his fifth-year option in 2023.

“You really just look at things and call a spade a spade,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “Looking at the [cap] number, looking at things, looking at cap space, as a football guy and a player, you see those things. Some people call it the writing on the wall, and I call it the actual sport we’re playing.

“In the same way Pat [Mahomes] was doing [his contract restructure] at some point, he knew he was gonna have to rearrange some things to get guys around that we feel like we will need in order to win a Super Bowl.”

Edwards-Helaire made it clear that he understands the business aspect of sports and didn’t let Veach’s decision on his option change his mentality heading into last season. He played a pivotal role in solidifying the running back position through midseason injuries.

Said Edwards-Helaire about Kansas City’s 2023 season:

“Numbers are numbers, things change. Obviously, [they] changed from 2019 numbers to 2020s, all the way going into 2023, [and] 2024. I was fortunate enough I’m a first-round pick, like I said, to have a second spot [to] call home. You know, a lot of those times, man, just being around football and seeing it, why don’t you don’t want to say the fifth-year options are rare, but it’s not one of those things that you see, like, oh, I know, that’s an automatic thing that’s always going to happen. So, I knew I was getting an opportunity to continue to play. You know, that fourth year wasn’t like I was getting cut. It was a next year’s contract was what has been this year. I just knew, as long as I got a chance to put on a helmet and put on pads, I was gonna have that opportunity to showcase what I needed to do to be back on his team.”

Last season, Edwards-Helaire started three of the 15 games he played, shifting between being a third-down back and starter while tallying 223 yards rushing and 188 yards receiving. He had one touchdown as a runner and another as a receiver.

Former LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire re-signs with Chiefs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is sticking around in Kansas City.

One of the most pivotal parts of the LSU Tigers 2019 national championship run was starting running back, [autotag]Clyde Edwards-Helaire[/autotag].

Edwards-Helaire was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He would go on to have an incredible rookie season in Kansas City, rushing for 803 yards on 181 carries and scoring four touchdowns.

Since then, he has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs, although his production has diminished. Last season, he carried the ball 70 times for 223 yards and only one touchdown. After winning another Super Bowl, his contract was up at the end of the season making him a free agent.

News dropped recently that Edwards-Helaire won’t be heading anywhere as he will be re-signing with the Chiefs on a one-year deal. He will enter his fifth year in the NFL with the same team that drafted him out of Baton Rouge. Hopefully, he can win another ring or two.

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Chiefs to re-sign former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire

The #Chiefs are set to re-sign former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

On the same day the Kansas City Chiefs were revealed to be hosting former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins for a visit, a report comes that they are retaining their own running back from that draft class. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has agreed to a one-year contract to remain in Kansas City.

Edwards-Helaire was a reliable option for the Chiefs last year after injuries to Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon held them out of the lineup for multiple games. In 2023 Edwards-Helaire started three of the 15 games he played, shifting between being a third-down back and starter while tallying 223 yards rushing and 188 yards receiving. He had one touchdown as a runner and another as a receiver.

The versatile running back rebounded tremendously after losing his starting job in 2022, becoming one of Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets.

After the Chiefs declined his fifth-year option last offseason, many critics assumed his days would be numbered in Kansas City. The value he showed last season made him an essential piece for the team moving forward as they seek a threepeat in 2024.