Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (/ˈiːlɛər/ EE-lair;[1] born April 11, 1999) is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU and was drafted by the Chiefs in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire
refer to caption
Edwards-Helaire with LSU in 2020
No. 25 – Kansas City Chiefs
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1999-04-11) April 11, 1999
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight:207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school:Catholic (Baton Rouge)
College:LSU (2017–2019)
NFL Draft:2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 32
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 4, 2023
Rushing yards:1,711
Rushing average:4.3
Rushing touchdowns:12
Receptions:77
Receiving yards:604
Receiving touchdowns:6
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early life

Edwards-Helaire was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Catholic High School and became the first freshman in then head coach Dale Weiner's 29 year tenure to play on the varsity football team as a freshman.[2] In addition to football, Edwards-Helaire also competed in track & field. As a senior, Edwards-Helaire rushed 58 times for 496 yards and 10 touchdowns and was named the MVP of the 5A State Championship Game after catching eight passes for 161 yards and rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown in the Bears 31–28 victory over Archbishop Rummel High School.[3] Rated a four-star recruit, Edwards-Helaire committed to play college football at Louisiana State University.[4]

College career
Edwards-Helaire in 2019

As a true freshman, Edwards-Helaire played in all 13 of the Tigers' games, playing mostly on special teams and rushing nine times for 31 yards.[5] As a sophomore, Edwards-Helaire finished second on the team with 658 rushing yards and seven touchdowns with 11 receptions for 96 yards and also returned 17 kicks for 416 yards.[6] He recorded his first 100-yard game in a 38–21 win over Louisiana Tech, gaining 136 yards with two touchdowns on 20 carries.[7] Edwards-Helaire rushed for 145 yards in LSU's 36–16 victory over second-ranked Georgia.[8]

Edwards-Helaire was named LSU's starting running back and on the watchlists for the Maxwell and Paul Hornung Awards going into his junior season.[9][10] He played a major role in LSU's win over third-ranked Alabama, rushing for 103 yards and three touchdowns and catching nine passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in the 46–41 victory and was named the SEC co-Offensive Player of the Week along with LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.[11][12] Edwards-Helaire finished the regular season with 1,414 rushing yards, which ranked third-most in a single season in school history, and 16 touchdowns on 215 carries, 453 receiving yards and a touchdown on 55 receptions and returned 16 kicks for 214 yards and was a consensus first-team All-SEC selection at running back and was named second-team by the league's coaches as an all-purpose performer and was also the only SEC running back to be named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award.[13][14] After playing sparingly against Oklahoma in the 2019 Peach Bowl due to a hamstring injury,[15] Edwards-Helaire rushed 16 times for 110 yards and caught five passes for 54 yards in LSU's 42–25 win over third-ranked Clemson in the 2020 National Championship Game.[16] Following the end of the season, Edwards-Helaire announced that he would forgo his senior season to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.[17]

Professional career
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard splitVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
5 ft 7+1⁄4 in
(1.71 m)		 207 lb
(94 kg)		 29 in
(0.74 m)		 9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		4.60 s1.60 s2.68 s39.5 in
(1.00 m)		10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)		15 reps
All values from NFL Combine[18][19]

Edwards-Helaire was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, in the first round with the 32nd overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.[20]

2020 season

Edwards-Helaire made his debut for the Chiefs in Week 1 as the starting running back after Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 season.[21] In his first career start, he rushed 25 times for 138 yards and scored a rushing touchdown in the 34–20 victory over the Houston Texans.[22] At 21 years of age, he became the youngest player in NFL history to rush for at least 130 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut.[23] In Week 6, against the Buffalo Bills, he rushed 26 times for 161 rushing yards in the 26–17 victory.[24] In Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Edwards-Helaire rushed for two touchdowns during the 35–31 win.[25] On Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints, Edwards-Helaire suffered a hip and ankle injury, making him unavailable for the remainder of the 2020 NFL regular season.[26] Overall, he finished his rookie season with 181 carries for 803 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 36 receptions for 297 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[27]

In the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills, Edwards-Helaire rushed six times for seven yards and a touchdown during the 38–24 win.[28] In Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Edwards-Helaire rushed nine times for 64 yards and recorded two catches for 23 yards during the 9–31 loss.[29][30]

2021 season

In Weeks 3–4, Edwards-Helaire recorded consecutive 100-yard rushing games.[31][32] After injuring his knee in the Chiefs' Week 5 game against the Buffalo Bills, Edwards-Helaire was placed on injured reserve on October 12, 2021.[33] He was activated on November 20, 2021.[34] Overall, he finished the 2021 season with 119 carries for 517 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 19 receptions for 129 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in ten games.[35]

2022 season

A lack of consistent production and injuries resulted in Edwards-Helaire losing his starting job to rookie seventh round pick Isiah Pacheco. On November 23, 2022, Edwards-Helaire was placed on injured reserve.[36] He was activated from injured reserve on February 6, 2023,[37] but was inactive for Super Bowl LVII.[38] Without Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles.[39] The Chiefs declined their 2024 fifth-year option for Edwards-Helaire on May 2, 2023.

NFL career statistics
Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GPGSAttYdsAvgLngTDRecYdsAvgLngTDFumLost
2020KC 13131818034.4314362978.326100
2021KC 10101195174.3174191296.829222
2022KC 106713024.3523171518.925300
Career33293711,6224.45211725778.029622

Postseason
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GPGSAttYdsAvgLngTDRecYdsAvgLngTDFumLost
2020KC 2215714.72613237.718000
2021KC 2013967.42202136.59000
2022KC 00DNP
Career42281676.02615367.218000

Personal life

In December 2018, Edwards-Helaire was involved in a fatal self-defense shooting in Scotlandville, Louisiana. Edwards-Helaire and teammate Jared Small met 18-year old Kobe Johnson in an arranged electronics sale. When the meeting took place, Johnson pulled a gun and tried to rob them, at which point one of the players pulled their own gun and fatally shot him. Authorities did not reveal which player fired the fatal shots.[40][41]

His surname is taken from his biological father (Edwards) and his stepfather (Helaire). He legally had it changed after meeting with an attorney at fourteen years old, keeping his biological father's last name out of respect while honoring his stepfather for his presence during his upbringing.[42]

Edwards-Helaire's sister Madee has a form of Muscular dystrophy, and appeared on the MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon.[43]

References
  1. "2022 Kansas City Chiefs Media Guide" (PDF). NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  2. Gilbeau, Glenn (August 7, 2018). "For nearly 15 years, LSU's Edwards-Helaire has been running in Derrius Guice's cleat steps". The Daily Advertiser. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  3. Dixon, Shea (August 29, 2017). "Edwards-Helaire will start on kick returns". 247Sports.com. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  4. Dixon, Shea (January 5, 2017). "Edwards-Helaire locks in LSU visit". CBSSports.com. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  5. Hickey, Alex (March 14, 2018). "Nick Brossette and Clyde-Edwards Helaire inspired by former LSU stars". Dayton Daily News. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  6. Edwards, Brody (August 8, 2019). "'Built for this offense': LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire could thrive in new scheme, but freshmen also want roles". The Athletic. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  7. Kuebna, Brooks (September 23, 2018). "'We put Louisiana in their hands': Edwards-Helaire's big game game keeps LSU undefeated". The Advocate. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  8. Just, Amie (October 14, 2018). "LSU run game led by Clyde Edwards-Helaire crucial in win over No. 2 Georgia". NOLA.com. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  9. Embody, Billy (August 30, 2019). "Starting job special for Baton Rouge's Clyde Edwards-Helaire". 247Sports.com. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  10. Kubena, Brooks (July 25, 2019). "LSU's Clyde Edwards-Helaire named to Paul Hornung watch list for nation's most versatile player". The Advocate. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  11. Scarborough, Alex (November 9, 2019). "LSU win over Alabama validates Ed Orgeron, Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  12. "Burrow, Edwards-Helaire named SEC offensive players of the week after historic win over Bama". WBRZ.com. November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  13. West, Glen (December 9, 2019). "LSU Football Dominates the AP All-SEC Team, Orgeron Named SEC Coach of the Year". SI.com. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  14. Shipp, Sonny (November 21, 2019). "Edwards-Helaire a semifinalist for Doak Walker Award". 247Sports.com. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  15. "Peach Bowl – Oklahoma vs LSU Box Score, December 28, 2019". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  16. Trapasso, Chris (January 14, 2020). "2020 NFL Draft: Joe Burrow showcases elite skill set, Clyde Edwards-Helaire shines in LSU's title game win". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  17. Dixon, Shea (January 15, 2020). "Clyde Edwards-Helaire declares for NFL Draft". 247Sports.com. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  18. "Clyde Edwards-Helaire Combine Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  19. "2020 Draft Scout Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  20. White, R.J. (April 23, 2020). "2020 NFL Draft grades: Chiefs get a 'B-' for selecting Clyde Edwards-Helaire at No. 32 overall". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  21. Brisco, Joshua (July 29, 2020). "Chiefs RB Damien Williams Opts Out of 2020 NFL Season". SI.com. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  22. "Chiefs' New Normal Looks Familiar in Win Over Texans". The New York Times. Associated Press. September 11, 2020. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  23. "Youngest players to rush for at least 130 yards and a touchdown in NFL debut, NFL history". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  24. "Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills – October 19th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  25. "Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders – November 22nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  26. Kerr, Jeff (December 21, 2020). "Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire reportedly out for remainder of regular season, X-rays negative". cbssports. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  27. "Clyde Edwards-Helaire 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  28. "AFC Championship – Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs – January 24th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  29. Junda, Zach (February 8, 2021). "White, Fournette Help Lead Bucs to Super Bowl 55 Win". And The Valley Shook. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  30. "Super Bowl LV – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 7th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  31. "Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs - September 26th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  32. "Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles - October 3rd, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  33. Teope, Herbie (October 12, 2021). "KC Chiefs place Clyde Edwards-Helaire on IR, but that doesn't mean his season is over". KansasCity.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  34. Sweeney, Pete (November 20, 2021). "Chiefs activate running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, make 2 other roster moves". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  35. "Clyde Edwards-Helaire 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  36. Dixon, John (November 23, 2022). "Chiefs place Clyde Edwards-Helaire on IR, activate Lucas Niang — plus 2 other moves". SBNation.com. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  37. Patra, Kevin (February 6, 2023). "Chiefs activate RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire from injured reserve, place WR Mecole Hardman on IR". NFL.com. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  38. Dajani, Jordan (February 12, 2023). "Super Bowl 2023: Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire inactive after being activated off injured reserve". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  39. "Super Bowl LVII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  40. "Prosecutor: LSU duo seem justified in shooting". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 1, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  41. Kennedy, Emma (December 29, 2018). "Authorities running gun trace in LSU player-involved shooting; closing case could take months". The Advocate. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  42. Aschoff, Edward (April 24, 2020). "LSU's Clyde Edwards-Helaire benefits from his extended family". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  43. "MDA KevinHart Kids Telethon". blacktiemagazine.com. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
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