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Priest Anthony Holmes (born October 7, 1973)[1] is an American former professional football player who was a running back for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He started his career with the Baltimore Ravens but experienced breakout success after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 2001. During his seven-year stint with the Chiefs, Holmes was a three-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2002. Prior to playing for the Chiefs, Holmes earned a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens, who'd signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1997, in their 2000 Super Bowl XXXV victory over the New York Giants. He rushed for just over 2,000 yards in four seasons in Baltimore. Holmes sat out the 2006 season with a neck injury, and after a brief comeback attempt in 2007, he retired from the NFL.

Key Information

Holmes played college football for the Texas Longhorns. He was inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.[2][3] He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2014.

Early life

[edit]

Holmes was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Although he carries the last name of his biological father, he never met the man, and only attended his funeral. Holmes was raised in San Antonio, Texas, by his mother Norma, and stepfather Herman Morris.[4] Holmes was raised in a military household as his stepfather was an aircraft technician at Kelly Air Force Base for 20 years.[5][6] When he was 13, Holmes spent a summer in Detroit, Michigan, working for his grandfather's lawn care service. Working with much older men for 12 hours a day, six days a week, Holmes learned the work ethic that later shaped him as a football player.[4][7]


Holmes, who had idolized Dallas Cowboys' running back Tony Dorsett growing up, developed his own elusive running style while playing street football with the children in his neighborhood. Holmes later attended John Marshall High School, where he became a starter for head coach David Visentine. As a senior in 1991, Holmes rushed for 2,061 yards, and led his team to a runner-up finish in the state championship game, losing to Odessa Permian.[4]

College career

[edit]

Holmes attended the University of Texas at Austin from 1992 to 1996, playing the entire time for John Mackovic. He played in the final seven games of his freshman season, Mackovic's first as head coach,[8] rushing for 114 yards against Houston. After starting two games and averaging over five yards per carry for the second straight season as a sophomore, Holmes received more significant playing time as a junior. He rushed for 524 yards and five touchdowns, and was named MVP of the 1994 Sun Bowl after rushing for 161 yards and four touchdowns in a win against North Carolina.[9] Holmes missed the 1995 season with a knee injury, allowing for the emergence of future Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams as the starter. Relegated to third string behind Williams and Shon Mitchell, Holmes scored 13 touchdowns despite carrying the ball only 59 times. Holmes's biggest moment came in the inaugural Big 12 Championship Game. Entering the game with a 7–4 record against third-ranked Nebraska, Texas upset the Cornhuskers 37–27, with Holmes rushing for 120 yards and three touchdowns.[4] In Holmes' final two seasons, Texas posted a record of 16–9, finishing ranked in the top 25 each season.[8] He rushed for a career total of 1,276 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.[8] During college, Holmes began going by his first name, Priest. He had previously used his middle name, Anthony.[5]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 8+7⁄8 in
(1.75 m)		 213 lb
(97 kg)		 30+5⁄8 in
(0.78 m)		 9 in
(0.23 m)		 4.73 s 1.62 s 2.72 s 4.14 s 7.40 s 33.0 in
(0.84 m)		 9 ft 7 in
(2.92 m)		 18 reps
All values from NFL Combine[10]

Baltimore Ravens

[edit]

After graduating from college, he joined Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 1997. Holmes spent his entire rookie season behind Bam Morris, Earnest Byner, and Jay Graham as the team’s fourth-string running back.[11] On September 24, 1997, Holmes made his professional regular season debut as part of the special teams unit during a 38–10 victory at the Tennessee Oilers in Week 4. He appeared in seven games as a rookie in 1997.[12]

During training camp in 1998, Holmes competed to be the starting running back after the departures of Morris and Byner. Head coach Ted Marchibroda named Holmes the third running back on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Errict Rhett and Graham.

In the 1998 season with the Ravens, Holmes rushed for over 1,000 yards (leading the team in rushing) including one 200-plus yard game, the highest single game total of the season.[13] In the 1999 season, he appeared in nine games and started four. He finished with 89 carries for 506 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 13 receptions for 104 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[14]

In the 2000 season, he was supplanted as a starter by rookie running back Jamal Lewis.[15][16] The Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV with Holmes as their second string halfback.[17]

Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]

In 2001, Holmes signed an inexpensive contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.[18] In his first season with the Chiefs, he exceeded expectations by leading the NFL in rushing with 1,555 yards for the 2001 NFL season, becoming the first undrafted player to do so (Arian Foster was next to accomplish the feat during the 2010 NFL season).[19]

Despite missing the final two games in the 2002 NFL season because of a hip injury, Holmes rushed for 1,615 yards with 21 touchdowns.[20] In the 2003 NFL 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 and broken again by LaDainian Tomlinson with 31 total touchdowns in 2006.[21] 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.

Holmes's 2005 season was also cut short by an injury to his spinal column from a tackle by Shawne Merriman on October 30, 2005. He was replaced for the season by backup Larry Johnson. During the following off-season, new head coach Herm Edwards promoted Johnson to the starting position. Holmes's spinal injury did not heal by the end of the 2006 pre-season, 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.[22] Throughout the 2006 season, Holmes repeatedly said that he would like to return for at least two or three more seasons in the NFL, but that he would not force a comeback if it could be detrimental to his long-term health.

Following encouraging medical tests, Holmes reported to the Chiefs' training camp in July 2007.[22][23] However, the Chiefs did not include him on the roster at the start of the season, listing him on the non-football injury list instead.[24] Michael Bennett was traded at mid-season, and Holmes returned to the Kansas City roster, beginning practice on October 17, 2007. Holmes then completed the comeback four days later, playing in the Chiefs regular season game against the Oakland Raiders, carrying the ball four times. He made his first start since October 30, 2005, against the San Diego Chargers and played in a home game on November 11, 2007, in a 27–11 loss to the Denver Broncos. Holmes led the Chiefs with 20 rushes for 65 yards.[25][26]

Retirement

[edit]

Holmes announced his retirement on November 21, 2007, after re-injuring his neck on the previous Sunday, November 18, in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.[27]

Legacy

[edit]

Holmes retired as the Chiefs' all-time leader for career rushing touchdowns (76), total touchdowns (83), and career rushing yards (6,070).[28] His rushing yards record has since been broken by Jamaal Charles.[29] Travis Kelce later broke Holmes's franchise record for total touchdowns.[30] The team inducted Holmes into the Chiefs Hall of Fame during the 2014 season.[31] The induction ceremony took place on November 2 at halftime of a game against the New York Jets.

Holmes has been a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame nine times as of 2023, but has never advanced to a semi-finalist.[32] He was nominated again in 2024 and 2025.[33][34]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Won the Super Bowl
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Y/G A/G Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Y/G R/G Fum Lost
1997 BAL 7 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0
1998 BAL 16 13 233 1,008 4.3 56 7 63.0 14.6 43 260 6.0 25 0 16.3 2.7 3 3
1999 BAL 9 4 89 506 5.7 72 1 56.2 9.9 13 104 8.0 34 1 11.6 1.4 0 0
2000 BAL 16 2 137 588 4.3 21 2 36.8 8.6 32 221 6.9 27 0 13.8 2.0 2 1
2001 KC 16 16 327 1,555 4.8 41 8 97.2 20.4 62 614 9.9 67 2 38.4 3.9 4 3
2002 KC 14 14 313 1,615 5.2 56 21 115.4 22.4 70 672 9.6 64 3 48.0 5.0 1 1
2003 KC 16 16 320 1,420 4.4 31 27 88.8 20.0 74 690 9.3 36 0 43.1 4.6 1 1
2004 KC 8 8 196 892 4.6 33 14 111.5 24.5 19 187 9.8 52 1 23.4 2.4 4 2
2005 KC 7 7 119 451 3.8 35 6 64.4 17.0 21 197 9.4 60 1 28.1 3.0 1 0
2006 KC 0 0 Did not play due to injury
2007 KC 4 2 46 137 3.0 11 0 34.3 11.5 5 17 3.4 8 0 4.3 1.3 0 0
Career 113 82 1,780 8,172 4.6 72 86 72.3 15.8 339 2,962 8.7 67 8 26.2 3.0 16 11

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Y/G A/G Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Y/G R/G Fum Lost
2000 BAL 4 1 18 45 2.5 11 0 11.3 4.5 1 4 4.0 4 0 1.0 0.3 0 0
2003 KC 1 1 24 176 7.3 48 2 176.0 24.0 5 32 6.4 13 0 5.0 32.0 1 1
2006 KC 0 0 Did not play due to injury
Career 5 2 42 221 5.3 48 2 44.2 8.4 6 36 6.0 13 0 7.2 1.2 1 1

Awards and highlights

[edit]

Records

[edit]

NFL records

[edit]
  • 163.4 yards from scrimmage per game (2,287 yards in 14 games), single season (2002)
  • Most games with 2 or more touchdowns in season: 10 (2003) (tied with LaDainian Tomlinson)
  • Most seasons with at least 20 rushing touchdowns: 2 (tied with Emmitt Smith)

Kansas City Chiefs franchise records

[edit]
  • Rushing touchdowns, career (76),[36] season (27 in 2003)[37]
  • Rushing yards per game, career (93.4),[36] season (115.4 in 2002)[37]
  • Total touchdowns, season (27 in 2003)[38]
  • Points scored, season (162 in 2003)[38]

Priest Holmes Foundation

[edit]

The Priest Holmes Foundation is a recognized organization that is committed to encouraging education and enhancing the lives of children in the community.[39]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Priest Holmes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Priest Holmes is a former who played professionally in the (NFL) for eleven seasons, achieving breakout success with the after early years with the . Born Priest Anthony Holmes on October 7, 1973, in , and raised in , , he attended the University of Texas, where he played college football for the Longhorns. Undrafted in the , Holmes signed with as a and contributed as a backup , helping the team win following the 2000 season. After four seasons in , he joined the Chiefs in , where he immediately emerged as an elite rusher, leading the with 1,555 rushing yards in his debut season and setting Chiefs franchise records for career rushing yards (6,070), rushing touchdowns (76), and total touchdowns (83). Holmes' peak performance came from 2001 to 2003, during which he earned three consecutive selections, three First-team honors, and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2002 after rushing for 1,615 yards and a league-leading 21 touchdowns. He also led the league in rushing touchdowns in both 2002 and 2003, amassing 5,992 total yards and 62 touchdowns over those three seasons, a span often regarded as one of the most dominant by a in history. A severe in 2005 sidelined him for two seasons, leading to his retirement announcement in 2007 at age 34. Post-retirement, Holmes founded the Priest Holmes Foundation in 2005 to support youth education and community programs, and he has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Hall of Fame in 2014, the Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, and the University of Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Priest Holmes was born on October 7, 1973, in . His biological father abandoned the family when Holmes was an infant, leaving him without knowledge of his paternal background. The family relocated to , , around the time Holmes was in the , where he spent the majority of his formative years. In , Holmes was raised by his mother, Norma Holmes, and his stepfather, Herman Morris, who worked as an aircraft technician at Kelly Air Force Base for over two decades. The household operated within a working-class environment, marked by economic challenges that influenced Holmes' early sense of responsibility. As a young teenager, he took on odd jobs to contribute to the family's financial stability, learning resilience amid these hardships. Holmes grew up with siblings, including a sister whose husband, Jeffrey Guess, later provided insights into his family dynamics. This upbringing in a supportive yet demanding home environment laid the foundation for his personal development, fostering discipline and determination that would shape his later pursuits.

High school career

Priest Holmes attended High School in , , graduating as part of the class of 1992. He was a versatile multi-sport athlete during his high school years, participating in football, , and track. In football, Holmes emerged as a standout , particularly as a senior in when he rushed for 2,031 yards and scored 26 touchdowns, earning all-state honors. That season, he led the John Marshall Rams to the Texas state championship game, where they faced off against Odessa Permian High School. His performance helped establish him as one of the top high school s in during that era. Holmes' athletic talents extended to , where he played as a , and track, where he competed in sprint events and relays, contributing to his overall development as an athlete supported by his family background. Despite his accomplishments, his compact frame of 5 feet 9 inches limited major college interest, prompting him to join the University of as a walk-on player.

College career

Holmes enrolled at the as a walk-on in 1992, redshirting his first year before seeing limited action as a in 1993. Under head coach , he gradually earned a larger role on the Longhorns' roster, contributing as a backup and special teams player during his early seasons on teams that finished with winning records, including an 8-4 mark in 1994. By his sophomore year in 1994, Holmes had emerged as a starter, sharing carries with other backs while showcasing his speed and vision. He rushed for 73 yards and a in the regular season before exploding in the Sun Bowl against , where he carried 27 times for 161 yards and a bowl-record four s, earning MVP honors in Texas's 35-31 victory. His performance highlighted his potential as a compact, powerful runner at 5 feet 9 inches and around 210 pounds. Holmes missed the entire 1995 season after suffering a torn knee ligament early in , which sidelined him for what would have been his junior year. He returned in 1996 as a senior and team captain, rushing for 324 yards and 13 touchdowns on 59 carries during the regular season, ranking sixth in school history for single-season rushing scores at the time. In the inaugural against , he ran for 120 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, including an 11-yard score that sealed a 37-27 upset win and earned him game MVP recognition. Texas capped the year with a 37-27 Cotton Bowl victory over , though Holmes had a more modest four carries for 17 yards in the game. Over his four-year college career from 1993 to 1996, Holmes amassed 252 rushing attempts for 1,276 yards at a 5.1-yard average and 20 touchdowns, finishing ranked 25th in history for rushing yards at the time of his departure. He also served as a , handling 14 returns for 123 yards. Holmes completed his bachelor's degree in applied learning and development from the University of Texas in 2015, nearly two decades after leaving campus. Despite his productive bowl performances and versatility, concerns over his smaller stature and limited overall carries led teams to pass on him in the 1997 draft; he signed as an undrafted free agent with the shortly after.

Professional career

Baltimore Ravens

Priest Holmes signed with the as an undrafted free agent out of the University of on April 21, 1997. During his rookie season, he spent time on the practice squad before earning a spot on the active roster as a special teams contributor, though he recorded no rushing attempts. In 1998, Holmes transitioned to a more prominent role on offense, serving as the primary and rushing for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns while also handling kickoff return duties. The 1999 season brought challenges for Holmes due to injuries, limiting him to 506 rushing yards and one touchdown, but he still provided value on special teams and as a change-of-pace back. One highlight came on December 5, 1999, when he rushed for 100 yards on nine carries, including a 72-yard run, in a 41–14 victory over the . By 2000, Holmes shifted to a backup role behind rookie Jamal Lewis, accumulating 588 rushing yards and two touchdowns while continuing to contribute on special teams for a Ravens team anchored by a dominant defense. His efforts helped Baltimore secure a 12–4 record, a playoff berth, and ultimately victory in against the , earning Holmes his first championship ring despite limited offensive snaps in the postseason. Over four seasons with the Ravens from 1997 to 2000, Holmes appeared in 50 games, rushing 459 times for 2,102 yards and 10 touchdowns, primarily functioning as a third-down and situational back in a run-heavy scheme. Following the Super Bowl, he became an unrestricted free agent in 2001 amid increased depth at running back, paving the way for his departure from Baltimore.

Kansas City Chiefs

After becoming an unrestricted free agent from the , where he had served primarily as a backup, Priest Holmes signed with the in 2001. Under head coach , Holmes quickly emerged as the team's primary , leading the in rushing yards with 1,555 on 327 carries and scoring 8 rushing touchdowns in his debut season. His performance helped establish a potent ground game for the Chiefs, who finished 6-10 but showed offensive promise. Holmes' dominance peaked in the following years, with standout seasons in 2002 and 2003. In 2002, he rushed for 1,615 yards and a league-leading 21 , earning his first selection and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. The next year, 2003, marked his most prolific output, as he amassed 1,420 rushing yards and an NFL-record 27 rushing —leading the league for the second straight season—while contributing 690 receiving yards for a total of 2,110 scrimmage yards. These efforts powered the Chiefs to a 13-3 record and an AFC Divisional playoff appearance, where Holmes ran for 83 yards and a in a loss to the . Holmes continued his scoring prowess in , with 14 rushing touchdowns, though a midseason rib injury limited him to 892 rushing yards. His tenure formed the core of City's high-powered offense, orchestrated by quarterback , which ranked among the league's top units in total yards during Holmes' peak years from 2001 to . However, his career trajectory shifted dramatically in when he suffered severe head and neck trauma from a helmet-to-helmet hit during a game against the on October 30, sidelining him for the remainder of that season and all of 2006. Holmes attempted a comeback in 2007, appearing in four games and gaining 137 rushing yards on 46 carries before medical concerns ended his playing days. Over his seven seasons with the Chiefs from 2001 to 2007, he accumulated 6,070 rushing yards and 76 rushing touchdowns, franchise records at the time, solidifying his role as one of the most explosive backs in team history.

Retirement and post-NFL life

Retirement circumstances

During Week 8 of the , on October 30, Priest Holmes suffered severe head and neck trauma from a helmet-to-helmet hit by linebacker . The injury affected the cervical area of his spine, as diagnosed by three spinal injury specialists, leading to symptoms including dizziness and concerns over potential long-term neurological risks. Holmes was sidelined for the remainder of the 2005 season and missed the entire 2006 campaign, marking a 20-month absence from the field while undergoing rehabilitation and medical evaluations. Medically cleared to return in the summer of 2007, Holmes rejoined the Chiefs' and made his comeback debut on against the Chargers, the same team involved in his initial . He appeared in three games that season, rushing for 46 carries totaling 137 yards with no touchdowns, serving primarily as a backup to Larry Johnson. However, recurring neck issues emerged during a November 18 game against the , where Holmes experienced tingling in his extremities after three hits, prompting his placement on injured reserve later that month. On November 21, 2007, at age 34, Holmes officially announced his retirement from the , citing the health risks associated with further play and a desire to prioritize his family's after consulting with doctors, team officials, and loved ones. In public statements, he expressed gratitude for his career while emphasizing his faith as a source of strength and perseverance through adversity, noting that the decision allowed him to focus on life beyond football without a formal farewell game.

Philanthropy and business ventures

Following his retirement from the NFL in 2007 due to a neck injury, Priest Holmes relocated to his hometown of , , where he has prioritized family life alongside his daughters and grandchildren. Holmes founded the Priest Holmes Foundation in 2005, a dedicated to encouraging education, enhancing the lives of children and adults, and empowering communities through scholarships, , and youth programs. In his business pursuits, Holmes has invested in while pursuing opportunities as a , delivering talks on perseverance and leadership to diverse audiences. Holmes has channeled his post-NFL energies into philanthropy, establishing annual youth football camps in to mentor young athletes and foster . He has also served on the board of directors for the NFLPA Former Players /Austin Chapter, acting as treasurer and contributing to initiatives supporting retired athletes in the region. As of 2025, Holmes hosts the "The Holmes Stretch," discussing football and life experiences, and provided aid to communities affected by floods in July 2025.

Career statistics and achievements

Regular season statistics

Priest Holmes played in 113 regular season games over 10 seasons, primarily as a for the from 1997 to 2000 and the from 2001 to 2007. His career began as a in , where he showcased versatility through both rushing and receiving, before emerging as one of the league's premier rushers in . Holmes' efficiency as a runner, evidenced by his career 4.6 yards per carry average, highlighted his burst and vision, particularly during his peak years when he consistently led the in total touchdowns from 2001 to 2003.

Rushing Statistics

YearTeamGPAttYdsAvgTD
1997BAL7000
1998BAL1623310084.37
1999BAL9895065.71
2000BAL161375884.32
2001KC1632715554.88
2002KC1431316155.221
2003KC1632014204.427
2004KC81968924.614
2005KC71194513.86
2006KC0000
2007KC4461373.00
Career-1131,7808,1724.686
Holmes' rushing production evolved dramatically after joining the Chiefs, where he became the focal point of the offense, amassing over 1,500 yards in his first two full seasons as a starter ( and ), along with 1,420 yards in . His 2004 campaign, though shortened by injury to eight games, demonstrated solid efficiency at 4.6 yards per carry. Overall, these figures reflect his transition from a backup and occasional starter in —including a 1,000-yard season in 1998—to an elite volume back in Kansas City, where he led the league in rushing touchdowns during the and seasons.

Receiving Statistics

YearTeamGPRecYdsAvgTD
1997BAL7000
1998BAL16432606.00
1999BAL9131048.01
2000BAL16322216.90
2001KC16626149.92
2002KC14706729.63
2003KC16746909.30
2004KC8191879.81
2005KC7211979.41
2006KC0000
2007KC45173.40
Career-1133392,9628.78
As a receiver out of the backfield, Holmes was effective during his tenure, posting 43 receptions for 260 yards in 1998. In Kansas City, his receiving role complemented his rushing workload, peaking at a career-high 74 catches for 690 yards in 2003. This dual-threat capability added 2,962 career receiving yards and eight touchdowns, enhancing his overall offensive impact without detracting from his primary rushing role.

Postseason statistics

Priest Holmes participated in four postseason games across his career: three with the during their 2000 playoff run and one with the in 2003. In total, he amassed 42 rushing attempts for 221 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, while recording 6 receptions for 36 receiving yards and no receiving touchdowns. His postseason rushing average stood at 5.3 yards per carry, reflecting efficient but limited usage compared to his dominant regular-season output, where he led the league in rushing touchdowns multiple times. During the Ravens' defense-oriented postseason, Holmes functioned primarily as a complementary behind Jamal Lewis, contributing in short-yardage and change-of-pace roles amid Baltimore's emphasis on stifling opponents rather than offensive volume. Over the three games, he had 18 carries for 45 yards. Holmes' lone playoff appearance with the Chiefs came in the 2003 AFC Divisional Round loss to the (38-31), a high-octane affair where Kansas City's pass-heavy scheme under quarterback somewhat underutilized the running game despite Holmes' explosiveness. He had 24 carries for 176 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns—his postseason highs—while adding 5 receptions for 32 yards, though a marred his effort. Overall, Holmes' postseason role highlighted his versatility as a backup in Baltimore's grind-it-out playoffs and a featured yet scheme-constrained back in Kansas City, yielding lower carry volume than his regular-season peaks but maintaining a respectable 5.3 yards per attempt that underscored his elusiveness.

Awards and records

During his peak years with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 to 2003, Priest Holmes earned widespread recognition for his exceptional productivity as a running back, culminating in three consecutive First-team All-Pro selections by the Associated Press. These honors, awarded in 2001, 2002, and 2003, highlighted his leadership in key statistical categories, including topping the NFL in rushing yards in 2001 (1,555 yards) and rushing touchdowns in 2002 and 2003. Additionally, Holmes was selected to the Pro Bowl three times during this span (2001–2003), appearances that underscored his status as one of the league's premier rushers and his integral role in the Chiefs' high-octane offense. Holmes' individual accolades peaked in 2002 when he was named the Offensive Player of the Year by the , a testament to his league-leading 24 total touchdowns (21 rushing) and 1,615 rushing yards achieved in just 14 games despite a midseason injury. This , the highest individual honor for offensive performance that year, reflected his versatility as both a rusher and receiver, amassing 2,287 total yards from scrimmage and setting an record for yards from scrimmage per game (163.4). In 2003, Holmes finished fifth in MVP voting after rushing for an -record 27 touchdowns (tied until 2006), though he did not secure the league MVP , which went to . These achievements cemented his dominance during a four-year stretch where he scored 62 total touchdowns, far outpacing contemporaries and establishing him as the focal point of Kansas City's record-setting offense. Holmes also holds several enduring records tied to his Chiefs tenure. He set the single-season record for rushing touchdowns with 27 in , a mark that highlighted his goal-line efficiency and powered the Chiefs to a 13-3 record. For the franchise, Holmes owns the career records for rushing touchdowns (76) and total touchdowns (83), accomplishments that spanned his 2001–2007 stint and surpassed previous benchmarks set by players like . Earlier in his career with the (1997–2000), Holmes contributed on special teams during their championship run, appearing in seven games as a primarily in that role without individual honors but gaining valuable experience that aided his later breakout. Following a severe injury in Week 2 of the 2004 season that limited him thereafter, Holmes played seven games in 2005 before missing 2006, then returned in 2007 but played only four games, receiving no further MVP or major award consideration as his production was limited to 137 rushing yards. This injury curtailed what might have been an even longer streak of elite recognition, though his 2001–2004 run remains a benchmark for excellence in the early .

Legacy and honors

Impact on the game

Holmes' compact build, measuring 5 feet 9 inches and 213 pounds, allowed him to excel as a power runner by lowering his center of gravity for explosive bursts through tight gaps, challenging the era's preference for larger backs in punishing between-the-tackles schemes. His one-cut vision and balance after contact enabled him to maximize yards in short-yardage situations, redefining the power back archetype to include smaller, more agile players capable of wearing down defenses over a full game. This style proved that physical dimensions were not the sole determinant of effectiveness in power running, influencing how coaches evaluated and developed undersized rushers who could combine burst with toughness. As the featured back in the ' offense from 2001 to 2005, Holmes elevated the team's no-huddle system under head coach , where rapid tempo created mismatches and fatigued opponents, allowing him to exploit gaps for consistent production. His proficiency in goal-line carries and red-zone efficiency, highlighted by leading the league in rushing touchdowns in 2002 and 2003, contributed to a broader trend in the early 2000s toward rushing attacks optimized for scoring rather than mere yardage accumulation. This focus helped shift offensive strategies to prioritize versatile backs who could finish drives, setting a template for balanced, high-output units in subsequent seasons. In his post-playing career, Holmes mentored emerging running backs by stressing durability through disciplined conditioning and the critical role of film study in reading defenses, lessons drawn from his own resilience after early career setbacks. He shared these insights via appearances in instructional content and his ongoing Holmes Stretch podcast series on , advising young players on sustaining performance amid the position's physical demands. Such guidance extended his influence beyond statistics, fostering a culture of preparation among the next generation of rushers. Holmes' path from undrafted free agent to three-time rushing touchdowns leader diversified NFL backfield narratives, illustrating that overlooked talents could dominate through skill and perseverance rather than pedigree or prototype size. His faith-driven mindset, emphasizing reliance on spiritual strength to navigate professional obstacles, provided a model for players confronting similar barriers, broadening the league's representation of resilient, non-traditional success stories.

Recent recognitions

In September 2025, Priest Holmes was nominated as one of 128 modern-era players for the Class of 2026, marking his latest consideration following prior evaluations by the Hall's senior committee in previous years. Holmes was inducted into the inaugural class of the (ISD) Athletics Hall of Honor in July 2025, honoring his achievements as a standout athlete from Marshall High School in , , where he led the team to a state championship game appearance. Among his earlier post-retirement honors, Holmes was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, recognizing his contributions to football in the state during his tenure. He also was inducted into the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs) Hall of Fame in 2014, celebrating his impact on the franchise, and has been recognized as a Legend of the since 1994 for his record-setting performance in the game, an ongoing tribute to his college career at the University of Texas. He was also inducted into the University of Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor. During the 2025 season, Holmes's historical records with the Chiefs drew comparisons in media coverage to Josh Jacobs's scoring streak, highlighting Holmes's enduring influence on franchise milestones.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HolmPr00.htm
  2. https://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/priest-holmes/
  3. https://priestholmes.com/biography/
  4. https://www.chiefs.com/hallofhonor/players/priestholmes
  5. https://www.nfl.com/photos/top-30-undrafted-players-in-nfl-history-0ap3000000663921
  6. https://www.chiefs.com/video/priest-holmes-the-three-year-mvp-17686286
  7. https://www.profootballhistory.com/priest-holmes/
  8. https://www.kidzworld.com/article/3766-priest-holmes-biography/
  9. https://kids.kiddle.co/Priest_Holmes
  10. http://www.espn.com/espn/eticket/story?page=priest
  11. https://www.texasfootball.com/hof-anthony-priest-holmes
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYJpkpcUEN8
  13. https://big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=3623462
  14. https://sunbowl.org/about/legends-of-the-sun-bowl/priest-holmes
  15. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-31-sp-14786-story.html
  16. https://texaslonghorns.com/sports/general/roster/priest-holmes/5217
  17. https://texaslonghorns.com/honors/hall-of-honor/priest-holmes/657
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/1996.html
  19. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/priest-holmes-1.html
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/rushing.html
  21. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nearly-two-decades-after-leaving-texas-priest-holmes-gets-his-diploma
  22. https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2021/9/3/22649713/priest-holmes-the-engine-of-the-chiefs-original-high-power-offense
  23. https://www.chiefs.com/news/former-chiefs-rb-priest-holmes-journey-14137948
  24. https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/priest-holmes-story/273-7b1ff5d3-462c-4b09-aca3-a36d74ab9539
  25. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/banks-ravens-shock-titans/
  26. https://www.nfl.com/players/priest-holmes/
  27. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story/_/id/3121366
  28. https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2005/11/10/kansas-citys-holmes-to-miss-rest-of-season/31466025007/
  29. https://www.nfl.com/news/rb-priest-holmes-to-report-to-training-camp-saturday-09000d5d8012edee
  30. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Holmes-defies-the-rumors-and-returns-from-injury-3235751.php
  31. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/1306/priest-holmes
  32. https://africa.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3122112
  33. https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/running-back-holmes-ends-comeback-with-retirement-idUSN21207230/
  34. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/priest-holmes-retires-from-nfl-1.687228
  35. https://www.brnow.org/news/NFL-career-gave-Priest-Holmes-opportunity-to-impac/
  36. https://priestholmesfoundation.org/who-we-are
  37. https://www.athletespeakers.com/speaker/priest-holmes
  38. https://www.chiefs.com/community/ambassadors
  39. https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/holmes-demps-relish-chance-to-give-back-to-kids-in-community/273-280391173
  40. https://priestholmes.com/
  41. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/what-is-priest-holmes-doing-now-former-chiefs-star-trends-online-as-travis-kelce-tied-to-legend-for-most-career-touchdowns/ar-AA1Pli7x
  42. https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/sports/nfl/chiefs/former-chiefs-rb-priest-holmes-provides-aid-after-texas-floods/
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0Fu9TdZXBw
  44. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HolmPr00/gamelog/post/
  45. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101070oti.htm
  46. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101140rai.htm
  47. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401110kan.htm
  48. https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/194nh9o/why_didnt_priest_holmes_win_mvp_in_2003/
  49. https://sanantoniosports.org/hof-members/priest-holmes/
  50. https://www.espn.com/page2/s/wiley/031103.html
  51. https://www.amazon.com/PRIEST-HOLMES-Gridiron-Faith-Fueled-Journey/dp/B0CTTDM8FW
  52. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2025/09/128-modern-era-players-nominated-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026/
  53. https://www.nisd.net/news/nisds-inaugural-hall-honor-recipients-inducted
  54. https://www.chiefs.com/news/2014-chiefs-hall-of-fame-inductee-priest-holmes-12689462
  55. https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/onsi/kansas-city-josh-jacobs-priest-holmes-green-bay-packers
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