Priest Holmes, a San Antonio, Texas native was one of the most dominant high school running backs of the decade earning all-state honors and leading San Antonio John Marshall to its first-ever state championship appearance in 1991. After high school, Holmes attended the University of Texas (1992-1996), where he is best remembered for his three touchdowns and 120 rushing yards in the Longhorns’ upset over two-time defending champion Nebraska in the 1996 Big 12 Championship. In 1997, Holmes’ NFL career took him to the Baltimore Ravens where he earned a ring in Super Bowl XXXV. Holmes experienced his breakout success after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001. In his first season with the Chiefs, he became the NFL’s leading rusher with 1,555 yards for the 2001 season. Holmes carved out a successful 10-year NFL career where he became a three-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and 2002
NFL Defensive Player of the Year At the time of his retirement in 2007, Holmes held the Chiefs franchise records for all-time total touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, and total rushing yards. Holmes set the standard for excellence on and off the field. Holmes’ accomplishments have been commemorated with inductions into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, University of Texas Hall of Honor, Texas High School Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
