The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 10 against the Denver Broncos with a perfect 8-0 record. The Chiefs’ goal for a historic Super Bowl three-peat no longer seems impossible, but maybe inevitable.
Amid the Chiefs’ success, however, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn’t been able to participate. After re-signing with Kansas City this offseason, the 25-year-old was placed the non-football illness (NFI) list in early September due to his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a candid interview with the “The Pivot” about his mental health struggles, Edwards-Helaire, who’s yet to make his debut this season, detailed the pivotal role Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has played in his road to recovery.
Kelce, who’s been teammates with the running back since he first joined the Chiefs in 2020, reposted a link to the interview and sent a strong message of support.
Kelce posted, “GBC!! My good brotha for life! Y’all gotta tune into this one. One of the strongest men I know!”
For those wondering what “GBC” stands for, “He calls me GBC, Good Brother Clyde,” Edwards-Helaire explained on “The Pivot,” who called his bond with the tight end “unbreakable.”
“Travis is real, real heartfelt. He’s probably not the most religious person but he’s going to speak whatever he feels at the time. … I really look at him as a big brother. I needed somebody to lean on.”
The LSU alum recalled how his rookie year felt isolating due to Covid-19, but Kelce always had his back. “The only person… who reached out to make sure I’m good, text me on random days, was Travis,” he said.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 10, 2022.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
“He notices when I’m jacked up in the morning.. real aware of his surroundings. I feel comfortable with him. I could talk to him… And it doesn’t get any better than that. We wouldn’t necessary get into the details… but everybody knew.”
Edwards-Helaire’s PTSD stems from a 2018 shooting. While attempting to sell an electronic device with a friend in Baton Rouge, an 18-year-old attempting an armed robbery was shot and killed. Edwards-Helaire did not face charges as it was deemed self-defense, but the incident remains traumatic.
“The way Travis and I would talk is more heartfelt than anything… he’s probably been my best friend since I walked through the door,” Edwards-Helaire said.
