Priest Holmes
| File:PriestHolmesHardKnocksChiefs.png | |
| Kansas City Chiefs | |
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| Career information | |
| College: | Texas |
| Undrafted: | 1997 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
Priest Anthony Holmes (born October 7, 1973 in Fort Smith, Arkansas) is an American football running back who is currently a member of the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL.
Early years
Holmes was raised in San Antonio, Texas. After leading his team to the texas state highschool championship and graduating from John Marshall High School, he played college football for The University of Texas, where he played with future Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams.
NFL career
Baltimore Ravens
After graduating from the University, he joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 1997. In the 1998 season with the Ravens, Holmes rushed over 1000 yards, including one 200-plus yard game, the highest single game total of the season. Although he was supplanted as a starter by rookie running back Jamal Lewis, he helped the Ravens to win Super Bowl XXXV for the 2000 season as the game's starting running back.
Kansas City Chiefs
The following season, Priest Holmes signed an inexpensive contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, considering what he would achieve in Kansas City. In his first season with the Chiefs, he went beyond expectations by becoming the NFL's leading rusher with 1555 yards for 2001 NFL season.
Despite missing the final two games in the 2002 NFL season because of a hip injury, Holmes rushed 1615 yards with 21 touchdowns. In the 2003 season, he broke Marshall Faulk's NFL record for total touchdowns in a season with 27, which was subsequently broken by Shaun Alexander with 28 total touchdowns in 2005..[1] Holmes and Emmitt Smith are the only two running backs in NFL history to have back to back seasons with 20 or more rushing touchdowns. On a pace to repeat the feat in 2004, he suffered an injury that ended his season with 14 touchdowns. His 2005 season was cut short by an injury to his spinal column by a tackle from Shawne Merriman. He was replaced by backup Larry Johnson. During the following offseason, new coach Herm Edwards promoted Johnson to the starting position.
Holmes' spinal injury did not heal by the end of the 2006 preseason, and he was placed on the Chiefs' physically unable to perform list for the season. Larry Johnson took over full-time as the Chiefs' starting running back.
Throughout the 2006 season, Holmes repeatedly voiced that he would like to return for at least two or three more seasons in the NFL. He had stated however that he will not force a comeback in the event that it could be detrimental to his long term health. As of mid-October 2006 he was still reportedly considering a comeback attempt but has not practiced since 2005 and would have to be cleared by a doctor before he could resume practicing.[2] Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson said that medical tests on Holmes have been encouraging and Holmes hopes to return for the 2007 season.[3] On July 25, 2007, the day before the Chiefs were scheduled to leave for training camp, Priest Holmes asked the Chiefs if he could attend camp. Holmes has recently announced that he will be attending training camp for the 2007-08 season.
On July 26, 2007, the Salt Lake Tribune reported: "Three-time Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes will report to the Kansas City Chiefs' camp Saturday [July 28, 2007] in a surprise development that comes 21 months after he was knocked out of football by a devastating hit."
Trivia
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- Holmes holds the Chiefs records for career rushing attempts (1,275), career rushing yards (5,933) and career rushing touchdowns (76). [1]
- Holmes has revealed that he enjoys playing chess in his free time.[2]
- Holmes is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Holmes still maintains a home in San Antonio during the NFL offseason.