“She’s not just a domestic cat… she is the big cat. Just call her a lioness,” is the tribute from Clyde Edwards-Helaire for his sister, Maddee Helaire, demonstrating their profound affinity. The Kansas City Chiefs running back finds inspiration from his sister who struggles with congenital muscular dystrophy from birth.

Despite such challenging times faced due to health issues by Maddee, she has become a source of encouragement and strength for the Helaire family, especially Clyde who meets every obstacle with optimism.

Meet Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s sister, Maddee Helaire

Maddee works as a local ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)’s annual Shamrock Campaign, demonstrating that overcoming hardship indeed runs in the family. According to The Advocate, Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s mom, Tongelia, explained that his younger daughter, Maddee was born with congenital muscular dystrophy.

The NFL RB’s mom disclosed that Maddee stayed in the NICU for four months. It was a heartbreaking time for the Helaire family. Doctors were not hopeful about Maddee’s chances of survival. Initially, she was on a feeding tube and unable to walk or communicate. Despite the odds, Maddee pulled through, thanks to innumerable prayers, continuous treatment, and the doctor’s hard work.

Maddee continues to advocate for those with muscular dystrophy, attempting to raise awareness and funding for the organization. “I think that we should all be able to find a cure and make sure that anyone with muscular dystrophy can have a better life,” Maddee previously stated. Her NFL brother, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, completely agrees, as she has become his biggest inspiration.

Clearly, his sister’s miraculous survival pushes him every day, on and off the field. The Chiefs’ first-round draft pick in 2020, Edwards-Helaire hopes to win his third Super Bowl with the team. However, his latest shocking assertion about his absences from preseason training sessions pointed toward a looming concern related to his health.

The Chiefs RB recently explained his terrible experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he was originally diagnosed with on December 22, 2018, while at LSU. “My first couple of years, you just try to block everything out, and it’s like, ‘Oh, at some point I’m going to get over it,'” he remarked. However, he managed the situation well, thanks to Maddee’s significant influence in his life.

The NFL star never fails to credit his sister for being his biggest inspiration. Earlier, during an episode of the Up and Adams show, which premiered in January 2024, he boldly claimed that “Maddee is one of the reasons why I get over a lot of lumps in my life.” Aside from believing in her perseverance, determination, and persistence, Clyde Edwards-Helaire candidly stated that his younger sister Maddee reminds him of a cat.

“I haven’t met anyone stronger in my life. I would say she reminds me of a cat. Everybody always says cats have nine lives, and I could attest to it. She’s been up and down in a lot of things, and to this day she’s still walking around, completing high school, and doing things that we as a family and myself didn’t imagine she would be able to do. But she’s striving, ” he said as a metaphor for how strong, resilient, and determined she is.

Not only this but earlier, during an interview, the NFL player also shed light on what motivates him most during football. “I always get asked the question, what motivates me during football? And you know, my answer is always Madison,” Clyde said of his sister. “Not only because of her muscular dystrophy and fighting, but also because of the trials and tribulations my family has faced.” Clyde and Maddee are indeed each other’s support systems.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire takes off the cleats and puts on scrubs

For Clyde, supporting MDA and his sister was a dream that eventually turned into a reality. For Maddee, she enjoys seeing her brother play and cheering for him. The former LSU Tigers player’s mom also revealed, “She loves cheering for her brother alongside her friends. It’s just a wonderful experience for her.”

In January 2024, Clyde Edwards-Helaire garnered enormous interest when he revealed the heartwarming reason for his desire to become a nurse. Seemingly, his nursing aspirations came from his mom and sister. Clyde’s mom, Tongelia Helaire, also attended nursing school after serving in the Army.

Edwards-Helaire expressed that his desire to pursue a career in nursing was motivated by his mother’s nursing occupation. In addition, his younger sister, Maddee, was born with muscular dystrophy, and he has always been interested in learning more about nursing. He also revealed that when he was at LSU in 2019, he decided he wanted to be a nurse.

During a discussion with a local newspaper, Edwards remarked, “I know what I want to do for the rest of my life. The Chiefs running back also stated, “Football is just one of those things that’s kind of getting me in this position, but using my brain and knowing what I can do on the back end, helping people, is close to my heart.” Clyde’s dreams that go beyond the NFL walls have indeed melted the hearts of many fans.