‘Close to my heart’: Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire pursuing nursing degree

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - While the Chiefs prepare for a Sunday postseason showdown in Buffalo, one player is adding extra study time off the clock.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire revealed Wednesday he’s currently in nursing school.

“Football is football, but I know for my profession what I want to do,” Edwards-Helaire told reporters Wednesday.

Edwards-Helaire’s mother was a nurse, and his younger sister was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy — both factors he cites for finishing his degree.

“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,” he said.

His playing time has fluctuated over his years in Kansas City. This season, fellow RBs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon have battled injuries, leading to an increased role for the LSU alum.

He logged a season-high 101 yards from scrimmage while snagging an impressive touchdown in the team’s Week 15 win over New England.

“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,’” Edwards-Helaire said. “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.”

The Chiefs declined Edwards-Helaire’s fifth-year option, meaning he’ll be a free agent this offseason.

While his football future may be up in the air, his post-playing profession is one step closer to becoming a reality.

“In the future, if y’all need some shots or IVs or anything, holler at your boy,” he said with a smile.

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