Brief Introduction of Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, born on April 11, 1999, is an American professional football running back renowned for his dynamic playmaking abilities and contributions to two Super Bowl championship teams. Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Edwards-Helaire quickly made an impact, becoming a significant figure in the league. Beyond his on-field achievements, Edwards-Helaire is also recognized for his compelling personal story, including his pursuit of a nursing degree and his acts of heroism off the field.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clyde Edwards-Helaire |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of August 2025) |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 207 lb (94 kg) |
| Parents | Tonge Helaire (Mother), Clyde Edwards Sr. (Biological Father), Shannon Helaire (Stepfather) |
| Spouse | JoJo O’Connor (married June 2024) |
| Children | None |
| Profession | American Football Running Back |
| Current Team (2025) | Kansas City Chiefs (Practice Squad) |
| NFL Draft | 2020, Round 1, Pick 32 (Kansas City Chiefs) |
| Net Worth | $6 Million (as of 2025) |
| College | LSU (2017–2019) |
Early Life and Education of Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Clyde Edwards-Helaire was born on April 11, 1999, and grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where his journey in football began. His early life was shaped by a unique family dynamic; he was born to Tonge Helaire and Clyde Edwards Sr., and later raised by his mother and stepfather, Shannon Helaire. To honor the significant roles both his biological father and stepfather played in his upbringing, Edwards-Helaire legally changed his surname from Edwards to Edwards-Helaire at the age of 14.
He attended Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, where his exceptional athletic talent was immediately evident. Edwards-Helaire made history as the first freshman in his coach Dale Weiner’s 29-year tenure to play on the varsity football team. Beyond the gridiron, he was also a standout in track & field, showcasing his versatile athleticism. In his senior year, Edwards-Helaire’s performance in the 5A State Championship Game was particularly memorable, as he rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown, caught eight passes for 161 yards, and was named the MVP, leading his team to a 31–28 victory. These high school accolades solidified his status as a four-star recruit, leading him to commit to playing college football for his hometown team, the LSU Tigers.
His family background also instilled a strong work ethic and an interest in healthcare. His mother, Tonge Helaire, served in the Army and later pursued a nursing degree, while his stepfather was a drill sergeant. This environment, combined with his younger sister Madee’s battle with muscular dystrophy, profoundly influenced Edwards-Helaire’s later decision to pursue nursing, recognizing the critical role healthcare professionals play.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s Career
Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s football career has been marked by significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels, demonstrating his talent and perseverance.
College Career (LSU Tigers)
From 2017 to 2019, Edwards-Helaire played college football for the LSU Tigers. As a true freshman, he played in all 13 games, primarily contributing on special teams. His role expanded in his sophomore year, where he finished second on the team with 658 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His junior season in 2019 proved to be his breakout year; he was named LSU’s starting running back and delivered a stellar performance, accumulating 1,414 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, which stands as the third-highest single-season rushing total in LSU history. He also added 453 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat back. His exceptional play earned him First-team All-SEC honors in 2019.
A pivotal moment in his college career was his performance in LSU’s undefeated 2019 season, which culminated in a CFP National Championship victory. In the championship game against Clemson, Edwards-Helaire rushed for 110 yards and caught five passes for 54 yards, playing a crucial role in LSU’s 42-25 win. Following this triumphant season, he decided to forgo his senior year and declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Professional Career (Kansas City Chiefs & New Orleans Saints)
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impression, debuting as the starting running back in Week 1 of his rookie season. [1, 3, 12,
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