Feels Like It’s Time: Chiefs Key Star Confirms it’s Time For Him to leave with new career Identified
It seems that Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the first-round running back, failed to meet the high expectations placed on him during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. This outcome marks a rare misstep in the draft for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach.
Despite being surrounded by trade speculation in recent years, it appears that the “CEH” era is coming to a close, with the former LSU standout expected to enter free agency for the first time in his NFL career in 2024.
Instead of retaining Clyde Edwards-Helaire, it appears more likely that Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid will seek to replace him through the draft or by promoting a more cost-effective option from within the team.
Potential candidates to fill the void left by Edwards-Helaire include former New York Jets draft pick La’Mical Perine, 2023 undrafted free agent Deneric Prince, or former Arizona Cardinals draft pick Keaontay Ingram.
Arrowhead Pride analyst Mark Gunnels emphasized that the Chiefs are unlikely to invest heavily in a running back, given their current roster and financial considerations. Instead, Gunnels envisions a scenario where the Chiefs bring back Jerick McKinnon on a budget-friendly one-year deal and then select a running back in the later rounds of the draft, similar to their approach with Isiah Pacheco.
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire Began Pursuing Nursing Career in 2023
On January 17, Marleah Campbell of KCTV5 reported that Clyde Edwards-Helaire had enrolled in nursing school during the 2023 football season.
Speaking to Campbell and other Kansas City media ahead of the postseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Edwards-Helaire expressed his passion for his chosen profession, stating, “Football is football, but I know for my profession what I want to do.”
Continuing his statement, Edwards-Helaire elaborated, “Football is just one of those things that’s kind of getting me in this position, but using my brain and me knowing what I can do on the back end, helping people, it’s close to my heart.”
Edwards-Helaire’s decision to pursue nursing after his football career is indeed admirable. It reflects a deep-seated desire to help others, a trait that is not unfamiliar to the NFL running back; it runs in his blood.
Edwards-Helaire’s upbringing was shaped by the service of both his parents, Tonge Helaire and step-father Shannon Helaire, who had previously served in the armed forces. In November of 2021, the Chiefs draft pick collaborated with USAA and The Players’ Tribune to share his story and pay tribute to the troops.
In the interview, Edwards-Helaire acknowledged his parents’ continued service, describing how they transitioned to serve on the front lines of law enforcement and medicine as a police officer and a nurse, respectively, after concluding their military careers. Their commitment to public service deeply influenced Edwards-Helaire’s values and aspirations.
In 2024, Campbell highlighted that Edwards-Helaire’s mother worked as a nurse, and his younger sister had been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy — both of which were motivating factors for him to complete his degree.
Edwards-Helaire candidly explained, “Just felt like I had a little bit more time at the beginning of the season, just wasn’t playing that much, so I was like, ‘Cool, I’m gonna start school.'” He continued, sharing that he’s currently progressing through his studies, finding enjoyment in the process reminiscent of his college days. “Punching it and rolling through now, and it’s kind of enjoyable because it kind of feels like college. I’m not doing anything else but leaving work and then going through school stuff.”
Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire Recognized for ‘Heroism’ During Super Bowl Parade Shooting
On February 17, The Uvalde Foundation For Kids revealed that Clyde Edwards-Helaire would be honored with the “Heroism Award” for his brave actions during the Super Bowl parade rally shooting on Valentine’s Day.
A statement issued by the foundation stated, “LSU star Clyde Edwards-Helaire hailed a hero for shielding teen during Kansas City mass shooting.” Additional details on this remarkable story were provided by FOX8’s Jesse Brooks and Chris Welty on February 16, indicating that the 13-year-old whom Edwards-Helaire shielded was named Zach Cotten.
According to Welty’s account, the shooting occurred shortly after Chris Cotten briefly left his son Zach to use the bathroom while the teenager attempted to collect autographs. Amidst the chaos, Edwards-Helaire reacted swiftly to ensure the safety of the teenager.
Penny Hall Cotten shared on social media, as reported by FOX8, “Zach Cotten made it home safe… Huge thank you to Clyde Edwards #25 for sheltering and getting my child to safety. Clyde even went back to check on Zach to make sure he was still doing ok.” Edwards-Helaire’s quick thinking and concern for Zach’s well-being undoubtedly played a crucial role in ensuring his safety during the frightening incident.
CEH later responded, expressing, “Hey Mrs. Penny, Zach was brave for sure!! Sorry, the family and all of Chiefs Kingdom had to experience this. Just wanted to Thank Zach for trusting me and knowing I’ll protect him.”
During an interview, Zach Cotten also described Edwards-Helaire as “a really good person.” The 13-year-old added, “Everyone should see how good of a person he is,” highlighting Edwards-Helaire’s character and the positive impact he had during the traumatic event.
Indeed, the future of Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s NFL career remains uncertain for the 2024 season, whether it be with the Chiefs or another team. However, if he decides to pursue his nursing career instead, it’s evident that the nursing community will be fortunate to have someone of his character and dedication. Regardless of his path, Edwards-Helaire’s commitment to serving others, both on and off the field, is admirable and will undoubtedly make a positive impact wherever he goes.