Clyde Edwards-Helaire Bio
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Born on April 11, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 32nd overall pick. Edwards-Helaire is a two-time Super Bowl champion, having won Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII with the Chiefs. Throughout his NFL career, he has been recognized for his quickness, vision, and versatility as a dual-threat running back.
Early Life and Background
Clyde Edwards-Helaire was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, where he became the first freshman in then-head coach Dale Weiner’s 29-year tenure to play on the varsity football team as a freshman. Beyond football, Edwards-Helaire also competed in track and field, showcasing his athletic versatility from an early age.
As a senior at Catholic High School, Edwards-Helaire rushed 58 times for 496 yards and 10 touchdowns. He 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. Rated a four-star recruit, Edwards-Helaire committed to play college football for the LSU Tigers, choosing the program over other suitors.
Path to American Football
Edwards-Helaire arrived at LSU as a true freshman in 2017 and played in all 13 of the Tigers’ games, primarily on special teams while rushing nine times for 31 yards. As a sophomore in 2018, he finished second on the team with 658 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, adding 11 receptions for 96 yards and returning 17 kicks for 416 yards. He recorded his first 100-yard game in a 38-21 win over Louisiana Tech, gaining 136 yards with two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Edwards-Helaire’s breakout season came as a junior in 2019 when he was named LSU’s starting running back. He rushed for 145 yards in LSU’s 36-16 victory over second-ranked Georgia and played a pivotal role in the win over third-ranked Alabama, compiling 103 rushing yards and three touchdowns plus 77 receiving yards and another score. He finished the regular season with 1,414 rushing yards, ranking third-most in a single season in school history, along with 16 touchdowns on the ground and 453 receiving yards through the air.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Career
LSU Tigers (2017-2019)
Edwards-Helaire concluded his LSU career as 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. He was the only SEC running back to be named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award in 2019. After playing sparingly against Oklahoma in the 2019 Peach Bowl due to a hamstring injury, he delivered a strong performance in the National Championship Game, rushing 16 times for 110 yards and catching five passes for 54 yards in LSU’s 42-25 win over third-ranked Clemson. Following the championship season, he announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
Kansas City Chiefs First Stint (2020-2024)
Edwards-Helaire was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round with the 32nd overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made his debut as the starting running back after Damien Williams opted out of the season. In his first career start against the Houston Texans, he rushed 25 times for 138 yards and scored a rushing touchdown in the 34-20 victory. 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. He posted 161 rushing yards in a Week 6 win over the Buffalo Bills before suffering hip and ankle injuries in Week 15 that ended his regular season. Overall, his rookie campaign included 803 rushing yards and four touchdowns to complement 297 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
The 2021 season saw Edwards-Helaire record consecutive 100-yard rushing games in Weeks 3-4 before a knee injury in Week 5 led to injured reserve. He was activated in November but finished with 517 rushing yards and four touchdowns across ten games. A lack of consistent production and recurring injuries resulted in him losing his starting job to rookie Isiah Pacheco. He was placed on injured reserve in November 2022 and was inactive for Super Bowl LVII, which the Chiefs won without him. After the Chiefs declined their fifth-year option for him in May 2023, Edwards-Helaire finished that season with 223 rushing yards on 70 carries as the team won Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Edwards-Helaire re-signed with the Chiefs on April 8, 2024, but was placed on the NFL’s Reserve/Non-football illness list prior to Week 1. He was activated in October but was released from the team in December. On December 18, 2024, he signed with the New Orleans Saints practice squad and was elevated for the Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, recording five carries and two receptions for 30 total yards. He re-signed with the Saints on February 13, 2025, on a one-year contract but was released on August 26 during final roster cuts.
Kansas City Chiefs Second Stint (2025-Present)
On August 28, 2025, Edwards-Helaire was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, marking his return to the organization where he won two Super Bowls. His journey back to the Chiefs demonstrates his resilience and determination to contribute at the highest level of professional football.
Playing Style and Strengths
Edwards-Helaire is known for his exceptional quickness, vision, and ability to make cuts at the line of scrimmage. His 5-foot-7 frame allows him to be elusive in the open field and difficult to bring down in space. He offers value as a dual-threat weapon, capable of contributing significantly in both the running and passing games. His quickness and agility complement his football intelligence, making him an effective situational player.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards-Helaire’s NFL debut stands as one of the most impressive in league history, as he became the youngest player to rush for at least 130 yards and a touchdown in a first career start. His contributions helped the Chiefs capture Super Bowl championships in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He received a heroism award from the Uvalde Foundation for Kids after shielding a teenager from gunfire during the shooting incident at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII parade.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Edwards-Helaire has accumulated 1,904 rushing yards with a 4.1 average and 12 rushing touchdowns, along with 94 receptions for 798 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns across five seasons.
Professional Career Highlights
Edwards-Helaire’s most productive NFL season came as a rookie in 2020 when he rushed for 803 yards and four touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 297 yards and one score. His standout performances included a 138-yard debut against Houston and a 161-yard game versus Buffalo. His versatility as a receiver is evidenced by his career totals of 94 receptions for 798 yards and 7 touchdowns through the air.
LSU Career Achievements
During his three seasons at LSU, Edwards-Helaire helped the Tigers capture the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. His 1,414 rushing yards that season ranked third-most in single-season school history. He earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, recognizing the top running back in college football.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Family
Family Background
Edwards-Helaire’s surname is derived from both his biological father (Edwards) and his stepfather (Helaire). He legally changed his name after meeting with an attorney at fourteen years old, choosing to keep his biological father’s last name while honoring his stepfather for his presence throughout his upbringing.
Personal Life
Edwards-Helaire’s sister Madee has a form of muscular dystrophy and appeared on the Muscular Dystrophy Association Kevin Hart Kids Telethon, highlighting his commitment to supporting family and raising awareness for the condition. In December 2018, Edwards-Helaire was involved in a fatal self-defense shooting in Scotlandville, Louisiana, during an arranged electronics sale that turned dangerous. As a result of that incident, he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has been open about his struggles and how the condition has occasionally caused him to miss practice and other commitments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Edwards-Helaire as he rejoins the Kansas City Chiefs organization on their practice squad. After his brief stint with the New Orleans Saints, his return to Kansas City reflects the franchise’s continued belief in his abilities and value as a player. Edwards-Helaire brings a wealth of experience from his previous seasons with the organization, including two Super Bowl championships.
His path back to the Chiefs required resilience through personal challenges and professional adversity. The Chiefs’ decision to add him to their practice squad provides him an opportunity to work his way back onto the active roster. His experience in the offensive system under head coach Andy Reid gives him a foundation that other practice squad players may not possess.
Edwards-Helaire’s contributions in 2025 will likely come as a depth piece and situational weapon, utilizing his versatility in both the running and passing games. His familiarity with the organization’s culture and expectations positions him well to make an impact when called upon. The Chiefs value players who understand their system, and his prior success in Kansas City remains relevant as he seeks to rebuild his NFL career with the team where he has achieved his greatest professional accomplishments.