Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been honored with an award for heroism following his courageous actions during the mass shooting at Kansas City’s Super Bowl parade.
During the tragic event, Edwards-Helaire shielded 13-year-old Zach Cotten, ensuring his safety amidst the chaos. In recognition of his bravery, Edwards-Helaire has been awarded the Heroism Award from The Uvalde Foundation for Kids.
Zach Cotten, the teenager whom Edwards-Helaire protected, expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the running back’s kindness and selflessness. “It was really special because Clyde helped me. He’s a really good person. Everyone should see how good of a person he is,” Zach remarked.
Chris Cotten, Zach’s father, also praised Edwards-Helaire’s extraordinary actions, highlighting his exceptional character. “You can be an athlete only for so long, but you can be a great human being for the rest of your life. What he did was truly exceptional, and he’s a great man,” Chris said, expressing his family’s deep appreciation for Edwards-Helaire’s intervention.
RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is Currently Attending Nursing School
The heroics of Edwards-Helaire came to light after Zach’s mother, Penny Hall Cotten, credited the Chiefs running back on social media for ensuring her child’s safety. Penny Hall Cotten expressed her immense gratitude to Edwards-Helaire, acknowledging his efforts to protect and reassure Zach during the ordeal.
In response, Edwards-Helaire commended Zach for his bravery, expressing regret that such a harrowing experience had affected the family and the entire Chiefs Kingdom. “Just wanted to thank Zach for trusting me and knowing I’ll protect him,” Edwards-Helaire wrote on Facebook, recognizing the teenager’s courage amidst the chaos.
The tragic shooting, which claimed the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan and injured more than 20 others, including at least nine children, resulted from a dispute. Two men, Lyndell Mays and Dominic Miller, have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the incident.
