RB Priest Holmes stays evasive on his future in NFL

[Bill Lundberg]

RB Priest Holmes stays evasive on his future in NFL
Written by: Tom Orsborn ¦ 4/13/2007
Source: www.mysanantonio.com
Despite being Marshall's defensive linchpin during the Rams' run to the 1991 Class 5A Division II title game, end N.D. Kalu never sat on the bench to rest when the offense took the field.
Kalu's reason for standing when he could have been taking a much-deserved breather was simple: He didn't want to miss Priest Holmes in action.

"I was always on my feet watching him because I knew he was going to do something spectacular," Kalu said. "Every game, he always had at least one magical run. Some backs have only one all season. Priest had at least one every game.

"And I didn't want to miss any of them."

Now a member of the Houston Texans, Kalu continues to track Holmes. And like other fans of the Texas alumnus, Kalu wants to know whether Holmes will attempt a comeback with the Kansas City Chiefs after missing all of last season and the final nine games of the 2005 season with a neck injury.

But when it comes to revealing his plans, Holmes has proved to be just as elusive as he was during high school.

"I've known the guy for over 15 years and he won't give me a straight answer," Kalu said.

Although the odds are against Holmes playing again, he hasn't filed retirement papers with the NFLPA, a union spokesperson said Friday. And close friends and family members say they remain in the dark about Holmes' plans.

"I've stopped imposing on him," Holmes' stepfather Herman Morris said. "He's very elusive when it comes to this. He seems not sure about it himself."

That indecision surprises many observers. After all, Holmes turns 34 in October and doctors have told him he faces permanent damage if he plays again.

Then there's the difficulty he would face gaining a roster spot on a team deep at running back with Larry Johnson, the league's second-leading rusher last season with 1,789 yards, and Michael Bennett.

But Kalu noted Holmes has bounced back from career-threatening injuries before, including three knee injuries and a hip displacement.

"He's resilient," Kalu said. "He never gives up. He's had four injuries to the same leg and that didn't stop him. I remember when I tore my ACL how tough it was to come back. I love football, but I told myself if that ever happens again, I'm giving this up."

Holmes, who was unavailable for comment, is the Chiefs' career leader in rushing yards (5,933), touchdowns (83) and yards from scrimmage (8,293). A 10-year veteran, he spent his first four seasons with Baltimore and has career numbers that include 8,035 rushing yards and 94 TDs. His 66 TDs between 2002-2004 are an NFL record for a three-year span.

Holmes' contract expires after the 2009 season. He restructured the pact in March 2006 to give the club salary cap relief, lowering his base salary from $3.75 million to $710,000. He's scheduled to earn $870,000 in 2007.

"If he does retire, Priest, his agent and (Chiefs general manager) Carl Peterson would probably work out some kind of settlement," Chiefs spokesman Josh Looney said Friday.

But Looney said the Chiefs haven't ruled out Holmes attempting a comeback even though he hasn't attended any of the team's voluntary offseason workouts.

Morris said Holmes' last medical examination came last month in Miami and that Holmes said it went "pretty well."

"We certainly would welcome him back to active status if he is medically cleared," Looney said. "We're waiting for word from him on what he wants to do .... Until we hear something, we will assume he is still training in San Antonio."

Holmes' San Antonio-based personal trainer Bay Bay McClinton said Holmes' workouts this year have been spotty.

"He has worked out some, but it's not been consistent," McClinton said. "He last worked out with me last month but only for a couple of days."

Still, McClinton estimated it would take only two months for Holmes to get into shape for training camp, which starts in late July.

But Morris suggested Holmes might want to continue spending time with his four children. Holmes isn't scheduled to make a public appearance until May 5, when he will be inducted into the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame in Waco.

Such a venue might seem like a perfect spot for a retirement announcement, but McClinton and Kalu predicted Holmes would stay mum.

"I don't think he owes anyone a quick answer," Kalu said. "He just has to wait and see how his body feels."
http://www.mysanantonio.com RB Priest Holmes stays evasive on his future in NFL

[TinyEvel]

Print 'em.




Apparently Kalu has never read this board.

He's done. He's had a great careeer. Time to relax. Besides, nachos are really good. And Roaf's BBQ is second to none.

[Mecca]

I've had enough of this crap........if he's not going to just retire it's time for the Chiefs to move on from this garbage and just cut the guy.

[DaFace]

There haven't been any reports that I've heard of him keeping in shape on his own, anyway. Even if he tried to come back, I can't imagine him being in shape to be more than just a bench warmer.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Mecca

I've had enough of this crap........if he's not going to just retire it's time for the Chiefs to move on from this garbage and just cut the guy.

he's trying to get the chiefs to cut him ....... so he can keep all his money.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Laz

he's trying to get the chiefs to cut him ....... so he can keep all his money.

That's probably true but he's going to get it all if he keeps playing this game too because his contract isn't up anytime soon thanks to his extension.........

I don't wanna be sitting here in 2009 reading about how Priest Holmes plans to return, sometimes it's better to just move on.

[siberian khatru]

Yawn

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Mecca

That's probably true but he's going to get it all if he keeps playing this game too because his contract isn't up anytime soon thanks to his extension.........

I don't wanna be sitting here in 2009 reading about how Priest Holmes plans to return, sometimes it's better to just move on.

not really ...... if he doesn't ever come back the Chiefs are going to immediately file for partial repayment of his signing bonus due to voluntary retirement

[kcxiv]

if i was Priest i woulld be doing the same thing. Pay me bitches. Who wouldnt want to get paid?

[GoHuge]

As stated this is all about money and that huge signing bonus. His ass isn't ever going to see the field again. Hopefully this little experience will keep the Chiefs from signing plus-30 RB's to long term deals. Probably won't.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by kcxiv

if i was Priest i woulld be doing the same thing. Pay me bitches. Who wouldnt want to get paid?

true ...... but if you were the Chiefs wouldn't you want some money back?

Holmes signed a contract with a signing bonus amount based on him playing 7 years. He played 3( or 4??).


Half the play, Half the signing bonus


can't blame the Chiefs for that either

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by GoHuge39

As stated this is all about money and that huge signing bonus. His ass isn't ever going to see the field again. Hopefully this little experience will keep the Chiefs from signing plus-30 RB's to long term deals. Probably won't.

they just gave a big new contract to a 31 year old Tightend ..... so i'd say it pretty safe to say they havne't learned that lesson yet.

[TRR]

Originally Posted by Laz

they just gave a big new contract to a 31 year old Tightend ..... so i'd say it pretty safe to say they havne't learned that lesson yet.

Comparing the TE position after 30, to the RB position after 30, isn't even comparable. You can play the TE position well into your mid 30's. The RB position? Not so much.

[Mecca]

I await the big Larry Johnson contract in which something similiar occurs.......

[Hammock Parties]

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