Priest Holmes

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Lore & Background

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. Holmes broke Marshall Faulk's NFL record for total touchdowns in a season with 27 in 2003, 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. Holmes's 2005 season was cut short by an injury to his spinal column from a tackle by Shawne Merriman on October 30, 2005.

In Their Own Story

The 2003 season defined Holmes' legacy as he chased and then broke records. After rushing for 1,555 yards in 2001 to become the first undrafted player to lead the NFL in rushing, he returned in 2002 with 24 total touchdowns despite a late-season hip injury. By 2003, he had surpassed Marshall Faulk's single-season record with 27 total touchdowns. However, the physical toll mounted quickly. On October 30, 2005, a tackle by Shawne Merriman injured his spinal column, ending his season and forcing backup Larry Johnson into the starting role. Holmes attempted a comeback in July 2007, but the Chiefs initially placed him on the non-football injury list. He finally returned to practice on October 17, making four carries against Oakland before starting against San Diego. The effort ended when he re-injured his neck against Indianapolis on November 18.

Reader's Guide

Priest Holmes was a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 to 2007. He led the NFL in rushing in 2001 with 1,555 yards, becoming the first undrafted player to do so. In 2002, he rushed for 1,615 yards with 21 touchdowns and had 24 total touchdowns. In 2003, he set the NFL record for total touchdowns in a season with 27. He retired as the Chiefs' all-time leader for career rushing touchdowns (76), total touchdowns (83), and career rushing yards (6,070). He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2014.

Did You Know?

• Holmes was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and raised in San Antonio, Texas.
• He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
• Holmes rushed for 2,061 yards as a senior at John Marshall High School in 1991.
• He missed the 1995 college season with a knee injury, allowing Ricky Williams to emerge as the starter.
• Holmes was an undrafted free agent signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 1997.