Injuries Send Holmes Home

On Wednesday, Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Priest Holmes retired. During his press conference, Holmes was magnanimous. “I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to play in the National Football League,” he said. “I will be forever grateful to the Hunt family and the Chiefs organization for the opportunity to come to Kansas City, where the community embraced me from Day 1.”

During his career, Holmes registered 1,780 carries, 8,172 yards, and 86 touchdowns. He also recorded 339 receptions, 2,962 yards, and 8 touchdowns. In 2003, Holmes tallied 320 carries, 1,420 yards, and 27 touchdowns. Until 2006, the touchdowns were an NFL record.

Holmes’ career is incomplete. Despite brilliance and talent, injuries define him. Holmes could have dominated. Instead, he is another cautionary tale. A brilliant flash amongst consistent careers.