Priest retirement article

Hammock Parties · 11-21-2007, 03:27 PM

http://kan.scout.com/2/704191.html

After completing one of the most incredible comeback attempts in NFL history, Chiefs running back Priest Holmes decided his body couldn’t take any more hits. With his three sons next to him, Holmes sat in front of the media Wednesday and announced his retirement. He sounded at peace with his decision.

His value to Kansas City’s franchise might never be re-paid.

In the spring of 2001 the Chiefs picked Holmes up in free agency, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens. They felt he was an average back with good, but not great ability. After all, at the University of Texas he was Ricky Williams’ backup, and that’s how most scouts perceived his potential NFL future. It was the primary reason he came into the NFL as an un-drafted free agent in 1998.

Some 8,172 rushing yards and 94 touchdowns later, every NFL team feels foolish for ignoring him. Every team but the Chiefs, of course, who signed Holmes to a contract after a recommendation from former Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer. It was a slight risk at the time, signing a running back with an injury history who had lost a starting job to Jamal Lewis, but now it may go down as the best free-agent signing Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson ever made.

“Anyone who has seen Priest Holmes play knows he’s given everything he possibly could to this game,” Peterson said proudly Wednesday. “For that we will always be in great debt to him.”

In 2005, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman hit Holmes coming over the middle on a short run, shelving the running back for the next two years.

It was a blow that should have ended his career, but Holmes felt otherwise. He had unfinished business and approached the Chiefs last June about coming back. Not many thought he’d play another down in the NFL.

Everyone was skeptical, except Holmes and Peterson. The 34-year old running back came to River Falls for training camp with a lean body and started getting in shape. After several grueling months, he was finally cleared to practice in October.

He made his debut against the Oakland Raiders in Week 8. Holmes carried the ball a few times that day and it was clear he had something left in the tank, but that all changed when Larry Johnson went down in a game against the Green Bay Packers. Holmes was elevated to starter, a load he could not carry.

”To all the fans that have witnessed and watched me grow over the seven years that I’ve been here in Kansas City, it’s been a great journey,” Holmes said Wednesday. “It’s not so much about what I’m looking forward to, but at this point it’s looking back to the day that I came here.”

And from that day, Holmes put in the work to help the Chiefs win football games every weekend. He took no shortcuts, earning every yard, reception and touchdown through dedication.

With three boys at his side Wednesday he looked to the next stage of his life, one that began to come into focus Monday morning when he ran the hill for the last time at Arrowhead Stadium. It was then that he decided perhaps his sons and family were the most important aspect of his life.

When he couldn’t shake the symptoms that left him uncertain about his future in 2005, he decided the comeback had to end.

“When I walked away from the field on Sunday, later in the game, and also when I returned, it was one of those situations where I really had to look at the situation for what it is,” said Holmes. “There are two very important tools that an athlete must have. One is his shoulder pads and the second is his helmet. Unfortunately it comes to a point where the helmet does not provide the protection that I need.”

“That’s like any soldier going into war not having that shield or not having that weapon in order to defend or to protect or fight.”

Though he didn’t say it, Holmes probably realized this football team had little chance to reach the Super Bowl. But he was thankful to everyone in the organization, including the field crew and the equipment managers, who Holmes joked never could find him the perfect pair of cleats.

As his final gift to the team, he spent several hours in the film room on Monday with rookie running back Kolby Smith. Holmes stressed that it was the beginning for the rookie runner now. He wanted to make sure Smith watched the game film of the loss in Indianapolis so he would learn from it.

And that was the primary reason Holmes returned to the Chiefs this year. He wanted to show the young players what it takes to become successful in the NFL, to show them first hand what you can do if you put your mind to it and are willing to work relentlessly.

Holmes’ last comeback won’t go down as one his greatest accomplishments, but it may have been the finest moment for him personally. He went out on his own terms and left a legacy for each and every young player in Kansas City’s locker room.

talastan · 11-21-2007, 03:34 PM

Priest we thank you for all your inspiration and hard work.

It's also good to hear that he spent some time with Kolby helping him out..

Hammock Parties · 11-21-2007, 03:39 PM

Priest was in the film room with Kolby 8:30 monday morning. Wow.

jjjayb · 11-21-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

Priest was in the film room with Kolby 8:30 monday morning. Wow.

I'm not surprised by this. I know everyone always bags on him for not sticking around and helping LJ while he was out the last 2 years. Can you really blame him? I remember hearing LJ on one of the radio shows around the time Priest got hurt. It may have been right before or right after. They asked him about having Priest around to learn from and he said something to the affect of not needing to learn anything from him. I don't think it would have helped any having Priest around. I think it would've just been a distraction to LJ and his ego.

BigVE · 11-21-2007, 03:57 PM

Sad news. One my favorite Chiefs ever. I will still wear his jerseys with pride.

StcChief · 11-21-2007, 03:59 PM

Pro player all the way to the end.... LJ has plenty to learn.

Eleazar · 11-21-2007, 04:10 PM

God speed Priest, thanks for the memories.

Hammock Parties · 11-21-2007, 05:01 PM

Cool photos:

Micjones · 11-21-2007, 05:14 PM

Easily my favorite Chief EVER.

Thanks for the memories Priest!!!

Soupnazi · 11-21-2007, 06:05 PM

Those of us that were lucky enough to watch him play in KC will always remember how terrific he was. A true professional, complete player, and one of the smartest men to ever be a part of the Chiefs.

I always marveled at how he was able to do the little things to turn a play from nothing to something, and the will to keep getting up after taking all the punishment he took.

I am thankful for the final opportunity to see him do those things one last time this season. Thanks Priest!

EPodolak · 11-21-2007, 10:50 PM

Best back the Chiefs will probably ever have.

Rasputin · 11-21-2007, 11:11 PM

My best memory, was Priest 4 TDs in the first half of the Falcons game. He flew like Superman over the top of the pile into the endzone. Sweet. We killed the dirty birds 56-10 that day.

Thank you #31

Raiderz_00 · 11-22-2007, 12:20 AM

What a class act and a great football player, I wish you good luck in the rest of your after football life.

11-21-2007, 03:27 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $690478	Priest retirement article http://kan.scout.com/2/704191.html After completing one of the most incredible comeback attempts in NFL history, Chiefs running back Priest Holmes decided his body couldn’t take any more hits. With his three sons next to him, Holmes sat in front of the media Wednesday and announced his retirement. He sounded at peace with his decision. His value to Kansas City’s franchise might never be re-paid. In the spring of 2001 the Chiefs picked Holmes up in free agency, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens. They felt he was an average back with good, but not great ability. After all, at the University of Texas he was Ricky Williams’ backup, and that’s how most scouts perceived his potential NFL future. It was the primary reason he came into the NFL as an un-drafted free agent in 1998. Some 8,172 rushing yards and 94 touchdowns later, every NFL team feels foolish for ignoring him. Every team but the Chiefs, of course, who signed Holmes to a contract after a recommendation from former Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer. It was a slight risk at the time, signing a running back with an injury history who had lost a starting job to Jamal Lewis, but now it may go down as the best free-agent signing Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson ever made. “Anyone who has seen Priest Holmes play knows he’s given everything he possibly could to this game,” Peterson said proudly Wednesday. “For that we will always be in great debt to him.” In 2005, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman hit Holmes coming over the middle on a short run, shelving the running back for the next two years. It was a blow that should have ended his career, but Holmes felt otherwise. He had unfinished business and approached the Chiefs last June about coming back. Not many thought he’d play another down in the NFL. Everyone was skeptical, except Holmes and Peterson. The 34-year old running back came to River Falls for training camp with a lean body and started getting in shape. After several grueling months, he was finally cleared to practice in October. He made his debut against the Oakland Raiders in Week 8. Holmes carried the ball a few times that day and it was clear he had something left in the tank, but that all changed when Larry Johnson went down in a game against the Green Bay Packers. Holmes was elevated to starter, a load he could not carry. ”To all the fans that have witnessed and watched me grow over the seven years that I’ve been here in Kansas City, it’s been a great journey,” Holmes said Wednesday. “It’s not so much about what I’m looking forward to, but at this point it’s looking back to the day that I came here.” And from that day, Holmes put in the work to help the Chiefs win football games every weekend. He took no shortcuts, earning every yard, reception and touchdown through dedication. With three boys at his side Wednesday he looked to the next stage of his life, one that began to come into focus Monday morning when he ran the hill for the last time at Arrowhead Stadium. It was then that he decided perhaps his sons and family were the most important aspect of his life. When he couldn’t shake the symptoms that left him uncertain about his future in 2005, he decided the comeback had to end. “When I walked away from the field on Sunday, later in the game, and also when I returned, it was one of those situations where I really had to look at the situation for what it is,” said Holmes. “There are two very important tools that an athlete must have. One is his shoulder pads and the second is his helmet. Unfortunately it comes to a point where the helmet does not provide the protection that I need.” “That’s like any soldier going into war not having that shield or not having that weapon in order to defend or to protect or fight.” Though he didn’t say it, Holmes probably realized this football team had little chance to reach the Super Bowl. But he was thankful to everyone in the organization, including the field crew and the equipment managers, who Holmes joked never could find him the perfect pair of cleats. As his final gift to the team, he spent several hours in the film room on Monday with rookie running back Kolby Smith. Holmes stressed that it was the beginning for the rookie runner now. He wanted to make sure Smith watched the game film of the loss in Indianapolis so he would learn from it. And that was the primary reason Holmes returned to the Chiefs this year. He wanted to show the young players what it takes to become successful in the NFL, to show them first hand what you can do if you put your mind to it and are willing to work relentlessly. Holmes’ last comeback won’t go down as one his greatest accomplishments, but it may have been the finest moment for him personally. He went out on his own terms and left a legacy for each and every young player in Kansas City’s locker room.
Posts: 297,703

11-21-2007, 03:34 PM	#2
talastan Manning, we're coming for you! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Springfield, Mo Casino cash: $10004950	Priest we thank you for all your inspiration and hard work. It's also good to hear that he spent some time with Kolby helping him out.. __________________ Can we please just draft AND DEVELOP a QB - est. since 1983 Check out my band: Truett and the Traitors
Posts: 4,815

11-21-2007, 03:39 PM	#3
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $690478	Priest was in the film room with Kolby 8:30 monday morning. Wow. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,703

11-21-2007, 03:57 PM	#5
BigVE Veteran Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: centralKs Casino cash: $10005250	Sad news. One my favorite Chiefs ever. I will still wear his jerseys with pride. __________________ Meh.
Posts: 4,829

11-21-2007, 03:59 PM	#6
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	Pro player all the way to the end.... LJ has plenty to learn.
Posts: 25,901

11-21-2007, 04:10 PM	#7
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	God speed Priest, thanks for the memories.
Posts: 80,659

11-21-2007, 05:01 PM	#8
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $690478	Cool photos: __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,703

11-21-2007, 05:14 PM	#9
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	Easily my favorite Chief EVER. Thanks for the memories Priest!!!
Posts: 15,344

11-21-2007, 06:05 PM	#10
Soupnazi Totally yummy Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: The kitchen @ River Falls Casino cash: $10006400	Those of us that were lucky enough to watch him play in KC will always remember how terrific he was. A true professional, complete player, and one of the smartest men to ever be a part of the Chiefs. I always marveled at how he was able to do the little things to turn a play from nothing to something, and the will to keep getting up after taking all the punishment he took. I am thankful for the final opportunity to see him do those things one last time this season. Thanks Priest!
Posts: 1,212

11-21-2007, 10:50 PM	#11
EPodolak Spooky Action Join Date: Dec 2003 Casino cash: $-1297442	Best back the Chiefs will probably ever have.
Posts: 6,725

11-21-2007, 11:11 PM	#12
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $-54579	My best memory, was Priest 4 TDs in the first half of the Falcons game. He flew like Superman over the top of the pile into the endzone. Sweet. We killed the dirty birds 56-10 that day. Thank you #31
Posts: 56,937

11-22-2007, 12:20 AM	#13
Raiderz_00 Starter Join Date: Oct 2007 Casino cash: $10004900	What a class act and a great football player, I wish you good luck in the rest of your after football life.
Posts: 82