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A national non-violence advocacy group is recognizing the heroic act of Clyde Edwards-Helaire this month.
The Kansas City Chiefs running back has been added to the list of Heroism Award recipients with the Uvalde Foundation for Kids.
Edwards-Helaire’s act of bravery
On February 14, Kansas City and the NFL world were stunned when shots rang out during the Chiefs Super Bowl parade.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a local radio DJ, lost her life as a result of the tragedy, while 19 people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.
Reports indicate Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy hospital saw 11 child victims following the shooting between six and 15 years old, nine of whom were shot.
Thanks to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, one youngster made it out unscathed.
CBS7 in Texas reports that the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent kept a 13-year-old boy safe during the incident.
Zach Cotten is the starting quarterback for his middle school football team.
He says his dream is to one day be the starting goalkeeper for the US Men’s National Soccer Team.
Thanks to the brave act of Edwards-Helaire, that dream can still become reality.
Family’s gratitude to Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire’s courageous act did not fall on deaf ears.
On social media, Cotten’s mother, Penny Hall, shared the story.
Hall said, “Zach Cotten made it home safe. Huge thank you to Clyde Edwards #25 for sheltering and getting my child to safety. Clyde even went back to check on Zach to make sure he was still doing OK.”
The Chiefs running back responded with a post of his own.
“Hey, Mrs. Penny, Zach was brave for sure!! Sorry, the family and all of Chiefs Kingdom had to experience this. Just wanted to Thank Zach for trusting me and knowing I’ll protect him.
“SideNote: Being a person who suffers from PTSD, for the kids in the KC area and parents, refrain from mentioning and bringing up Traumatic experiences.
“Always think positive, and when those bad days come (because they will), comfort and knowing somewhere is with you is the best (Medication). To all in the Kingdom! Smile today because we can always change tomorrow. -CEH”
Cotten’s recollection of the shooting
The 13-year-old Cotten was understandably shaken following the incident and did not attend school the following day.
Speaking to CBS7, he recalled what took place on that fateful day.
“Somebody yelled, ‘Shooter!’ and everybody starts running,” he said.
“I’m panicking because I don’t know where to go. I run into the players’ room to find the nearest exit. I’m back there panicking, don’t know what to do because I was by myself.”
Who else is being honored?
Edwards-Helaire isn’t the only one being honored following the tragedy.
Trey Filter will also receive recognition for his role in stopping one of the alleged shooters.
The 40-year-old is credited with tackling, disarming and detaining one of the reported culprits.
Navy veteran Tony Janssens is also on the list of current award recipients.
You can donate to the Uvalde Foundation for Kids by clicking here.
Edwards-Helaire will officially be on the market when NFL free agency opens on March 13.